Introduction to Philosophy

[Diane_Windsor]

Can anyone give me a book reccomendation for an introduction to philosophy that is geared to us non-philosophers? I want a book that I can actually understand what the author is saying. Nearly every time I read philosophy I run into concepts that the philosopher does not explain clearly and I end up putting the book down.

Thanks

 

[JGL53]

Can anyone give me a book reccomendation for an introduction to philosophy that is geared to us non-philosophers? I want a book that I can actually understand what the author is saying. Nearly every time I read philosophy I run into concepts that the philosopher does not explain clearly and I end up putting the book down.

Thanks

"From Socrates to Sartre" by T.Z. Lavine is an easy read, I think.

 

[Nottingham40]

I suggest The Republic by Plato. Also while reading it also read Sophicleas. (Its spelled wrong here i know)

 

[nadroj1985]

When I was a freshman undergrad, we started with some of the earlier, shorter Platonic dialogues; Meno, Crito, Euthyphro, Apology, etc. In my opinion, it's better to immerse yourself in an actual philosopher's writings than it is to read some encyclopedic "summary" of the history of philosophy. Philosophy isn't about memorizing historical facts, but about working through lines of thought. Plato will serve quite well as an introduction to that.

 

[JGL53]

In my opinion, it's better to immerse yourself in an actual philosopher's writings than it is to read some encyclopedic "summary" of the history of philosophy...

That's, uh, one school of thought. But for a non-professional, I think starting with one of those encyclopedic summaries of the ideas of the major western philosophers throughout history is a good place to start. If one of the philosophers seems to actually have something useful or rational to say that one can understand, THEN one can move on to read his actual writings with his complete arguments.

Or at least that has been my experience.

And another good starter book I might mention is "The History of Philosophy" by Will Durant.

 

[Diane_Windsor]

But for a non-professional, I think starting with one of those encyclopedic summaries of the ideas of the major western philosophers throughout history is a good place to start. If one of the philosophers seems to actually have something useful or rational to say that one can understand, THEN one can move on to read his actual writings with his complete arguments.

Exactly. I am not really interested in reading writings from actual philosophers because I find most philosophers extremely confusing, and when I am confused I get bored and then I put the book down.

For instance, Wikipedia's article on Pragmatism states the following in the first paragraph:

"Most of the thinkers who describe themselves as pragmatists consider practical consequences or real effects to be vital components of both meaning and truth. Other important aspects of pragmatism include anti-Cartesianism, radical empiricism, instrumentalism, anti-realism, verificationism, conceptual relativity, a denial of the fact-value distinction, a high regard for science and evolution, and fallibilism."

The above description for Pragmatism is utterly confusing for non-philosophers like myself. I don't know what anti-this and anti-that are, and I'm guessing that instrumentalism has nothing to do with music??? I have read that paragraph over and over again and I still am no close to understanding what pragmatism is than when I read it the first time.

I just want a general overview of the subject in, and this is the important part, layman's terms by a recognised authority in the field. Then when I find a philosopher that I like (perhaps William James) and that has ideas that I can relate to and have an interest in then I can start reading their works.

If someone who has no background and a passing interest in RC theology then I won't reccommend that he read Aquinas' Summa Theologica, however; I will recommend a small catechism, a recognized RC author, a good introductory book, etc. I hope I'm getting my point across

And another good starter book I might mention is "The History of Philosophy" by Will Durant.

Thank you

 

[JGL53]

...Thank you...

Your welcome.

One last recommendation - I personally find existentialism an interesting philosophy, if for no other reason than it is compatible with a religion (like Christianity) or with atheism.

An easy read and introduction to existentialism is "Irrational Man" by William Barrett. After that a good selection of some short stories by existentialist writers would be "The Existential Imagination" edited by Frederick R. Karl and Leo Hamalian.

 

[nadroj1985]

In my defense, Plato's early dialogues really are fairly easy to grasp. The nice thing is that they're also active examples of good thinking, which it's almost impossible to get if you're reading an overview.

Overviews will be easier, yes, and they are not completely useless, but you must know going in that they are dangerous. Be on guard, and watch that you do not equate knowing a bunch of facts with doing philosophy. And though I recommended some Plato because it's easier reading, don't think that something isn't worthwhile just because you have to work to get it. We grow when we press on despite confusions. I understand that you're just starting out, which is why I recommend something easier, but whatever you read should at least challenge you at the level you're on at the moment.

If you really must start with overview type works, those mentioned so far are actually pretty good, although I think JGL53 meant to say "The Story of Philosophy." If you're gonna read one, that's probably the one to read.

 

[redmartian89]

A World of Ideas by Chris Rohmann

It's written somewhat like a dictionary with extended and in-depth articles (usually 1 to 2 pgs). Very easy to read and is cross-referenced.

I picked it up when I was 12 and I've been interested in philosophy ever since.

 

[IzzyPop]

If you do want to pick up a book written by a famous philosopher, make sure you flip through it at the book store prior to purchase. Make sure the translation is something you can get into. I tried reading The Republic every night for a month and couldn't get out of the first paragraph without falling asleep. I picked up a different translation and blew right through it.

 

[Colossians3]

Your welcome.

One last recommendation - I personally find existentialism an interesting philosophy, if for no other reason than it is compatible with a religion (like Christianity) or with atheism.

An easy read and introduction to existentialism is "Irrational Man" by William Barrett. After that a good selection of some short stories by existentialist writers would be "The Existential Imagination" edited by Frederick R. Karl and Leo Hamalian.

Thanks, I just purchased both. I'm interested in existentialism as well. I've been reading through some of the selected works of Kierkegaard and I find what he has to say extremely interesting.