What is Philosophy?
The study of general and fundamental questions pertaining to life such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language is known as philosophy.
These common questions are frequently treated as problems to be investigated or solved.
Philosophy is derived from the Greek word “Philosophia,” which means “love of wisdom.”
Metaphysics (the study of the nature of reality), epistemology (the study of knowledge), logic, ethics, political philosophy, and aesthetics are some of the sub-disciplines of philosophy (the study of beauty and art).
Philosophy is frequently discerned from other approaches to these issues, such as religion, science, or common sense, and has been studied for centuries as a fascinating and complex subject for many people.
As beneficial as studying philosophy is, it can be intimidating to get into, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the subject.
Many people often pick up complex philosophy books and become immediately perplexed by many of the abstract concepts and complex philosophical issues that are totally foreign to the general reader.
There are, however, many excellent introductory philosophy books available to aid readers in understanding the fundamental concepts and ideas of philosophy.
In this post, I’ll be putting together a self-contained guide of the best entry-level philosophy books for beginners that could be easily grasped.
From the philosophical ideas of Aristotle and Plato to the ancient philosophy of the Stoics, all the way to modern philosophy and contemporary philosophy movements like existentialism, the barrier for entry will be kept low for this list as I go over the ultimate reading list for
Here are some of the best philosophy books for beginners:
“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius
Meditations by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius is regarded as a comprehensive representation of Stoic philosophy due to it being a collection of personal writings by one of the great historical figures of Stoicism.
In Meditations, Aurelius reflects on the Stoic principles that guided his own behavior and governed his empire.
The book offers practical advice on how to live a virtuous and content life, and it is written in a clear, direct, and approachable style that makes Stoic ideas easy for beginners to understand and apply to their own lives.
Furthermore, the book has been widely read and studied for centuries, and it is regarded as one of the most important texts in Western philosophical history.
I stand by my opinion that this is one of the best introductory books on Stoic philosophy.
“The Republic” by Plato
This ancient Greek text is regarded as one of the most important philosophical works in all of Western history.
Plato’s “Republic” is regarded as an excellent introduction to political philosophy because it covers many fundamental concepts that have shaped the world around us, such as justice, the nature of the good life, and the nature of reality.
The book is written in a dialogical format, making it easy for the reader to follow the arguments and understand the various perspectives presented.
Furthermore, the Republic is one of the most widely read and studied philosophy books in the world, making it an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning more about the subject.
“The Nicomachean Ethics” by Aristotle
Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics is considered to be among the best philosophy books for beginners because it provides a thorough introduction to Aristotle’s moral and political philosophy.
The book investigates the nature of happiness and the good life, arguing that eudaimonia, or “flourishing,” is the ultimate goal of human existence.
The book also discusses virtues and vices in-depth, as well as how to develop good character.
Furthermore, the book is written in a clear and logical style, and it covers a wide range of topics, including the role of reason in decision-making, the nature of friendship, and the role of the state in promoting the common good.
The book is regarded as a classic text in Western and moral philosophy, providing a solid foundation for comprehending ethical and political thought.
“The Apology” by Plato
Plato’s Apology is considered a good philosophy book for beginners because it provides a firsthand account of Socrates’ trial and defense, one of the most famous and influential figures in Western philosophy.
The book takes the form of a dialogue between Socrates and his accusers, and it provides insight into Socrates’ beliefs about the nature of wisdom, virtue, and the purpose of philosophy.
The Apology also emphasizes Socrates’ famous remark that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” and it provides a powerful defense of the importance of self-awareness and critical thinking.
The book is written in a clear and engaging style, and it presents complex ideas in a simple way that beginners can understand.
Overall, The Apology is regarded as a classic text in Western philosophy because it introduces Socrates’ ideas and methods, as well as the historical and cultural context in which they evolved.
“At the Existentialist Café” by Sarah Bakewell
Sarah Bakewell’s “At the Existentialist Café” is a great introductory book to existentialism because it provides a clear and accessible overview of the history and key ideas of existentialism.
The book is written in a narrative and engaging style, and it covers the major existentialist figures and works, including Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir.
The book also provides a historical context for existentialism’s development and evolution as a philosophy and cultural movement.
Furthermore, the book provides an overview of existentialism’s main themes and concepts, such as freedom, authenticity, anxiety, and meaninglessness.
The author also includes personal anecdotes and stories, which help readers relate to and enjoy the book.
“At the Existentialist Café” is regarded as the best introduction to existentialist philosophy due to its approachable writing style and comprehensive overview of the key figures and ideas in existentialism’s history.
“The Discourse on Method” by Rene Descartes
René Descartes’ Discourse on Method is regarded as a good philosophy book for beginners because it introduces the method of doubt, one of the most influential and widely used methods in Western philosophy.
The book is written in an easy-to-understand style, and it explains Descartes’ process of doubt and how he came to his famous maxim “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am).
The book also presents Descartes’ views on the nature of the mind and body, as well as their relationship, which laid the groundwork for the modern philosophy of mind and cognitive science.
The book is also regarded as a crucial text in the development of modern Western philosophy and scientific knowledge, and it serves as an introduction to the scientific method and the scientific revolution.
The Discourse on Method is regarded as one of the classic works of Western philosophy, providing a clear introduction to the ideas and methods of one of the most important figures that shaped Western civilization.
“The Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding” by David Hume
David Hume’s “An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding” provides a clear and accessible introduction to some of the most important ideas in Western and moral philosophy, specifically epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics.
The book is written in an accessible and engaging style, and it explores the nature of knowledge, belief, and causation, as well as the limited comprehension of human beings.
The book is regarded as a classic text in Western philosophy, and it had a significant impact on the development of empiricism and skepticism.
Furthermore, the book provides a clear introduction to Hume’s philosophical concepts on the nature of morality and the relationship between reason and passion, which established the field of moral psychology and ethics.
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is a great entry-level book on philosophy because it provides a clear and accessible introduction to some of Western philosophy’s most important ideas.
Conclusion
These books are excellent starting points for anyone interested in learning the fundamental concepts and ideas of philosophy.
They offer a diverse range of perspectives and illustrate the big ideas critical for understanding the history and development of philosophy.
Remember that philosophy is a vast and diverse subject, and these books should only be used as a jumping-off point for further investigation.
I hope you’ve found some wisdom from the great philosophy books in this list and follow through with reading about your first philosophy.
The great, famous philosophers throughout recorded history have given us the opportunity to better understand our experience of living as human beings, and I hope as blossoming philosophy students to be, you’ll make prudent use of their wisdom.
Thank you for reading!
