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Philosophy

What should someone interested in philosophy read? Although I primarily mean philosophical texts, I also mean philosophical fiction, poetry, non-fiction, plays, et cetera. Of course, movies would also be nice. Also, are there any philosophers, modern or otherwise, that are readable. I love Kant and the rest, but it oftentimes seems as if their language is purposefully obtuse. Thank you!
Accepted:
December 14, 2007

Comments

Kalynne Pudner
December 27, 2007 (changed December 27, 2007) Permalink

My favorite recommendation is the novel Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder, which provides a comprehensive -- and comprehendible! -- overview of the history of western philosophy in the form of a highly entertaining (in my view, anyway) bloodless mystery. From there, you can easily choose further routes of investigation. The late Robert Solomon also has some very approachable works, such as A Passion for Wisdom. Another possibility: Kierkegaard's The Present Age.

Happy reading!

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