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Suggested Books on Philosophy

Uzzy

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Uzzy
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Feb 18, 2007
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Hello there. Long time lurker here, but I've always enjoyed reading the debates here and greatly admire the posters here. Which is why I'm asking here for some suggested books on Philosophy.

I've started a college course on Philosophy, and I'm greatly enjoying it, and would like to start reading some books on the subject. Any suggestions on good books for someone starting to study the subject?

Thanks in advance!
 
I'm probably not the best to respond, and this is going to sound like a really weird suggestion, since it is not philosophy but history of philosophy, but here goes anyway: A Passion for Wisdom: A Very Brief History of Philosophy.

The reasons behind this suggestion are (1) Robert Solomon is a great guy and so is his wife Kathleen Higgins, (2) they both teach at U.T. (where I did my undergrad work -- and Solomon is a key ingedient to the Plan II program), (3) it's a great (but very brief) introduction to the history of philosophy from a different sort of perspective than one typically gets (world historical perspective), and (4) it's dang easy to read, as opposed to most philosophy.

Since you're just starting your studies, beware. Plato is seductive.
 
Hmmm. I don't know if I can recommend any actual titles, but...

I'm sure your professor would be able to list the going books of the day. Publishers are usually pretty earnest about getting them into their hands. :)

It seems to me the priorities for the beginner are:
(1) A brief overview of the history and development of Philosophy. This lends context and perspective and is a very good way of watching the course of the perceived purpose of the effort developing; and,
(2) A logic book that covers fallacies and at least some symbolic logic. I'm fond of Copi's books myself. Having the tools of the trade at your disposal is very helpful. As an English professor once told my class, don't try to break the rules until you know them and can use them first.

There are no real tentative footsteps to test the waters. Dive in and dare the waters to drown you, but be ready to be in error, a lot. Actually, learn to embrace error as a friend. Think of philosophies as things you try on and discard as you uncover the flaws of them. Treat them all with a wry sense of humour, as if they are toys, because they are.

Let the authors enthrall you, but when the credits roll....

And always remember: The purpose of argument is not to win. It is to advance the subject matter.

Go forth, young padawan. May the Force be with you. :)


In due course, one might...
Win Powerball!!!
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll be off to the library to get those books!

Right now in my course, we have been doing the various theories of knowledge, such as rationalism and empiricism, along with Descartes Meditations. Apart from the obvious book to read, namely the Meditations itself, are there any more good suggestions on those topics?
 
As a general introduction, Think by Simon Blackburn is the best I have run across. It covers the kinds of things taught in "Introduction to Philosophy" classes but it does so very well.
 
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