The Best Philosophy Books
Reading philosophy is an amazing way to deepen your understanding of yourself and your world. Philosophy done well challenges and inspires. It prompts reflection on your assumptions and beliefs. It sharpens and enlarges your view of the world.
But, there's a challenge. Reading philosophy is often hard. If you're just getting started or you want to jump back in, what's the best way to get going? What are the best philosophy books to begin with?
Below I provide a few suggestions. The criteria that guided my choices are: readability, impact on philosophy and history, and personal impact. While no philosophy book is breezy reading, the books below are worth your time and effort.
Plato's Republic
Plato's Republic is an important work in ethics and political philosophy. Socrates wrestles with two main questions. What is justice? And, why is justice more more valuable than injustice? This book is a great introduction to the art of philosophical discussion. It includes the famous allegory of the cave, the just city run by philosopher-kings, and an argument for the immorality of the soul.
There are several editions of Plato's Republic. The most readable yet accurate translation is the 3rd edition by C.D.C. Reeve. Click here to check out the book on Amazon.
Descartes' Meditations
Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy is a cornerstone of modern philosophy and epistemology (i.e. the theory of knowledge).
Descartes gets cozy by the fire and dismantles his entire belief system. He notices that many of his beliefs are false. They do not form a good foundation for the rest of his beliefs. He finds a belief that cannot be doubted, namely whether he exists or not. His famous "cogito ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), is the starting point for building back up his beliefs.
Descartes is highly readable. His method of doubt is a good method for critical thinking. And he even throws in an argument for the existence of God for good measure.
I recommend the translation by Donald A. Cress (4th ed.). Click here to get the right edition on Amazon.
Mill's On Liberty
John Stuart Mill's On Liberty is a masterwork in modern philosophy. It is a well-written exploration of the limits of free speech, governmental interference into the freedom of individuals, and obligations to seek the truth. Historically, it impacted the shaping of modern democracy.
The edition by editor Elizabeth Rapaport has a great introduction to the key ideas in the book. This provides a useful guide to getting more out of the book. Click here to go to that edition on Amazon.
Ready to start living The Philosophical Life? Take your free course "Research Like a Philosopher."
Click the Button Below!