How to Study Philosophy

Philosophy can be a deeply rewarding pursuit, but what does it mean to "learn philosophy"? Here, we focus on building the ability to understand philosophical texts and derive meaningful answers from them—not on writing academic papers or developing your own philosophical system. This realistic approach is ideal for anyone driven by genuine philosophical questions.

If you’ve grown up with an inner flow of these questions, they won’t go away. Instead of ignoring them, take the opportunity to engage with them actively. However, if your interest in philosophy is more about prestige or sounding profound, consider redirecting your energy elsewhere. Philosophy is not the only way to be intelligent or critically engaged with the world.

This guide combines tips for engaging deeply with philosophical texts and integrates a study plan focused on the progression of thought from Ancient Greece to Early Modern philosophy.

Tips for Engaging with Philosophy

1. Embrace Unpopular Views

Ancient philosophy, especially Plato, often challenges modern assumptions. By critically examining these "unfashionable" ideas, you’re compelled to confront your own beliefs more seriously rather than conforming to societal norms.

2. Take Your Views Seriously

Don’t treat philosophy as a purely intellectual exercise detached from life. Ask yourself:

  • What actions or lifestyle changes follow from your philosophical convictions?
  • If these implications feel unpalatable, reconsider your beliefs.

Philosophy should be transformative, not just an intellectual accessory.

3. Be Unacademic

You don’t need to emulate the cryptic style of academic philosophy. Focus on answering significant questions, not advancing scholarship. Read broadly, exploring different thinkers, eras, and schools rather than narrowing your focus prematurely.

4. Join a Group

Philosophical discussion is invaluable. Online groups (many of which are free) allow you to exchange ideas, refine your understanding, and see your unique perspective more clearly. Running or participating in such groups deepens your grasp of challenging texts.

5. Use the Right Resources

Recommended Textbook: Cottingham’s Western Philosophy: An Anthology. This well-curated selection of texts provides exposure to diverse authors and styles, offering depth beyond "history of philosophy" summaries.

Supplemental Resources: Interviews, Wikipedia entries, and YouTube videos can provide valuable context, making complex ideas more approachable.

6. Commit Your Thoughts to Writing

Writing forces you to articulate your thoughts clearly. Consider journaling or engaging with platforms like Twitter for concise, focused philosophical discussion.

Dos and Don’ts of Studying Philosophy

DO

  • Start with easier, more comprehensible texts.
  • Understand the historical context of each philosopher.
  • Leverage accessible resources like YouTube, interviews, and encyclopedias.

DON’T

  • Jump straight to complex thinkers like Hegel or Derrida without foundational knowledge.
  • Overuse technical jargon without understanding it. (Frankly, you might not want to use jargon even if you do understand it.)
  • Get fixated on "fallacies" or overly formal debates at the expense of deeper understanding.

Study Plan: Ancient to Early Modern Philosophy

1. Ancient Greek Philosophy

Pre-Socratics

  • Parmenides: Read his poem 🔗 here, focusing on Aletheia (truth) and Doxa (opinion). Use Copleston and Russell for guidance.
  • Heraclitus: Study his ideas on change and the unity of opposites. Supplement with 🔗 this article.

Plato

  • Begin with Russell and Copleston for context.
  • Key texts:
    • The Apology of Socrates (introductory video 🔗 here.
    • The Republic: Focus on Books I, II, the Allegory of the Cave (Cottingham), and Book X (The Myth of Er).
    • Innate Knowledge and The Immortal Soul (Cottingham).
    • The Seventh Letter for insights into Plato’s worldview.

Aristotle

  • Prioritize his framework for understanding the world:
    • Read Copleston for an overview.
    • Four Types of Explanation and Inequality, Freedom, and Slavery (Cottingham).

2. Roman Philosophy

  • Lucretius: Explore Epicureanism via Cottingham.
  • Seneca: Focus on Stoic perspectives in Cottingham.

3. Early Christian Philosophy

  • Augustine:
    • Start with Russell and Kenny’s Augustine to Maimonides.
    • Key themes: Meaning Through Service to Others (Cottingham).
    • Watch the 🔗 Kenny Magee Interview for further insights.

4. Medieval Philosophy

  • Ockham (Cottingham).
  • The Existence of God (Anselm from Cottingham).
  • The Five Proofs of God (Aquinas from Cottingham).
  • God and the Idea of Perfection (Descartes from Cottingham).

5. Early Modern Philosophy

The Shift from Scholasticism

  • Descartes:
    • Start with New Foundations for Knowledge and The Incorporeal Mind (Cottingham).
    • Supplement with YouTube videos for accessible explanations.
  • Francis Bacon: Study Experimental Methods in Cottingham, focusing on his contributions to empiricism and the scientific method.

Final Thoughts

Philosophy is a personal and transformative journey. Whether you’re seeking answers to timeless questions or exploring your intellectual potential, approach it with humility, curiosity, and perseverance. Balance depth with realism—don’t rush to mastery but let the ideas shape your thinking gradually.