What are good philosophy books to read?

Syringer

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
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So I'm getting started in the world of philosophy..and am interested in what you think are good books to begin with?
 

fatalbert

Platinum Member
Aug 1, 2001
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you could start with some of the classics.

i.e. The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, or some of Plato's dialogues.
 

datalink7

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
16,765
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Well, if you are just getting started:

Plato - The Republic
Nietzsche - The Geneology of Morals
Descartes - Meditations
Locke - Second Treaties of Government
 

jacob0401

Platinum Member
Jul 31, 2001
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Thomas Kuhn - The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Immanuel - Kant - Critique of Pure Reason, Foundations of Metaphysics of Morals

Also do not ignore Eastern Philosophy...

The Tao te Ching, Confucius's pieces, etc.
 

cchen

Diamond Member
Oct 12, 1999
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I dunno how in depth you're looking to go.... but Sophie's World, albeit a bit childish, gives a decent overview of many philosophers
 

joohang

Lifer
Oct 22, 2000
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Of course, for some really crazy stuff to give your brain some good exercise, go for Indian philosophy. :)
 

Mucho

Guest
Oct 20, 2001
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http://
James L. Christian, Professor Emeritus, Santa Ana College
An Introduction to the Art of Wondering, Eighth Edition
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
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rousseau - the social contract
simon d beauvoir - the second sex
frantz fanon - a dying colonialism
 

pennylane

Diamond Member
Apr 28, 2002
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warburton!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well, that's the book i use in my philosophy class (high school). it's called Philosophy: the Basics by Nigel Warburton. It covers lots of topics and is relatively easy to understand.
 

Tiger

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
The Art of War.
The Anarchists Cookbook.