Question What would you say is the best resource for learning philosophy at the level of an absolute beginner? I have tried MIT OCW, reading articles on the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and taking out books from the library -- none of it makes total sense to me. Usually I get the general idea, but I feel like I'm missing something. Should I continue using the Stanford Encyclopedia/will I gain enough from it for it to be effective? Are there other, better ways? Thanks for replying ^_^

Accepted:
January 2, 2013

Comments

Thank you for this request for connections or routes into philosophy as a practice!

The first thing I suggest is engaging in philosophy with a friend --whether this is someone who is just starting out or someone who has been practicing philosophy for many years (either on their own or professionally or in connection with others, whether this involves a formal institution like a university or not). If you do connect with another person on this entryway you may only shift in your question or request from "I have tried..." and "I get..." and "I'm missing..." to "We have tried..." and "We get.." and "We're missing..." but the practice of philosophy is (I suggest) enhanced when it involves more than one person (unless the other person is immensely arrogant and closed minded!). Dialogue, after all, was the format of the majority of Plato's work, and today most philosophers (professional or otherwise) see themselves as part of a community of inquiry. Perhaps a "community" that includes both the living and the dead. I know that will sound absurd, but I suggest that it is important to think of many past philosophers who have lived long ago as still having a contribution to make to contemporary reflection. In any case, exploring philosophy with others can be a wonderful way of expanding one's friendships and also provide more of a sense of comradeship with others with regard to the deep questions that philosophy raises about everything from the meaning of birth and death to how we should think of "authority" in our political community and beyond.

Second, I suggest using some sources that are more "popular" as a point of entry into philosophy that may be vital as a preface or entry ramp to the more technical channels you are exploring. So, rather than the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, you might try out (and I admit the title may sound, at first, insulting) T. V. Morris's book: Philosophy for Dummies. NOT that YOU are a dummy! This is part of a series of introductory works for various disciplines like economics or physics for "dummies" but by "dummy" they (the publisher) are trying to promote their books for "everyday people" or those who fear they may be branded (unfairly) as "dummies". In any case, Morris does a credible job of making philosophy accessible and exciting. Another book I will mention which will horrify other panelists is William Durrant's The Story of Philosophy. At the end of the day the work is too secular (anti-religious) in my view and is guilty of lots of hyperbole, but it makes the central questions and arguments of philosophy come alive. My top recommendation, though, is the Teaching Company's series by Daniel Robinson on the history of philosophy. You can download these and I believe these lecture (and others by Professor Robinson, available through the Teaching Company) and I think (and almost guarantee) think you will find these lectures both exciting and stimulating for further reflection. Robinson. of the University of Oxford, presents his own views on the history and importance of philosophy, but I believe he is fair-minded, balanced, and he would make an excellent model of a philosophical approach to the deepest issues that engage not just intellectuals, but all of us.

All good wishes!!!!!!!!! CT

My favorite for beginners (although the author is somewhat out of favor with some professional philosophers these days) is Thomas Nagel's What Does It All Mean?: A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy. It raises all of the interesting questions in a readable fashion, but leaves the answers to the reader.

(And the author of The Story of Philosophy, by the way, spelled his name "Will Durant".)