How To Learn About Philosophy

Use this philosophy forum to discuss and debate general philosophy topics that don't fit into one of the other categories.

This forum is NOT for factual, informational or scientific questions about philosophy (e.g. "What year was Socrates born?"). Those kind of questions can be asked in the off-topic section.
User avatar
Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
The admin formerly known as Scott
Posts: 5748
Joined: January 20th, 2007, 6:24 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
Contact:

How To Learn About Philosophy

Post by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes »

How To Learn About Philosophy
by Scott Hughes

Almost anyone can philosophize with no formal training or experience. It simply consists of questioning and wondering about the foundational aspects of the universe and ourselves, including metaphysics, knowledge, morality, and religion. Nonetheless, if philosophy interests you, you may want to study it and learn more about it, which in turn will improve your philosophical abilities. Let me suggest some ways to study philosophy.

School - You can go to school for philosophy. That will give you a very formal education in philosophy. Additionally, you will get a degree which can help you in life. However, school usually costs a lot. If you plan to go to school, you may want to go for something more practical than philosophy. A philosophy degree will not open up as much career paths as other degrees. In addition to costing a lot, going to school can take a lot of your time. If you have a tight schedule, you may not have time to go to school.

Library - If you want to study philosophy, you can just go to the library instead of going to school. Without the cost, you can find and read books just the same, and you can get the same research done. Of course, you will not get a degree from just going to the library. But you will have the chance to read as many philosophy books as you can for practically no cost.

The Internet - Nowadays, the internet has put all the information you can get from a school or library right at your fingertips. You can use online encyclopedias, search engines, and other websites to find all sorts of free information. In fact, you may find yourself learning more at home in front of your computer than you would in a classroom. You can find biographies of major philosophers in an instant, for example.

Discussing Philosophy - Perhaps, you can best develop your knowledge of philosophy by discussing it. Unlike just reading books by philosophers, you can interact with other people when actually having discussions. So you can ask questions to other people, and your can propose your own ideas. Getting feedback on your own explanations of your own philosophical ideas will probably help you learn philosophy better than any formal education could. You can discuss philosophy in real life or on the internet.

As you can see, you have many options for learning about philosophy and developing your philosophical abilities. You may find other ways too.

Whatever you do, good luck and have fun!

About the author: Scott Hughes maintains a philosophy club at OnlinePhilosophyClub.com with free information about philosophy. You can discuss philosophy at the Philosophy Forums. It's completely free, and it's a great way to learn more about philosophy.

Please post comments here! Thanks!
My entire political philosophy summed up in one tweet.

"The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master."

I believe spiritual freedom (a.k.a. self-discipline) manifests as bravery, confidence, grace, honesty, love, and inner peace.
squarb
Posts: 2
Joined: January 25th, 2008, 12:43 am

Post by squarb »

Excellent guide which is applicable to all debate! I found this first linked from a myspace bulletin.. maybe your philosophy profile?
lj_elkin
Posts: 12
Joined: February 9th, 2008, 12:16 am
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Post by lj_elkin »

School is probably the best option.
User avatar
Samhains
Posts: 193
Joined: December 15th, 2007, 2:56 pm

How to

Post by Samhains »

How to learn Philosophy.

Step one: Learn to read and then apply this new found wisdom.

Step Two: think for your self.
:D
Joe Union
Posts: 8
Joined: April 19th, 2008, 9:10 am

Post by Joe Union »

lj_elkin wrote:School is probably the best option.
I would be interested in reading your reasons why school is probably the best option.

With the internet and a library one has access to what one has in school. A person has almost limitless access to philosophical material to read and discussion boards online abound with endless discussion at all levels. One can explore new areas and read areas of interest to their heart's content.
User avatar
Samhains
Posts: 193
Joined: December 15th, 2007, 2:56 pm

Post by Samhains »

Joe Union wrote:
lj_elkin wrote:School is probably the best option.
I would be interested in reading your reasons why school is probably the best option.

With the internet and a library one has access to what one has in school.
The Internet first of all is not a relyable source, as one example, there are Four people who are credited for writing the song "Ring of Fire" Yet if you go to www.rollingstone.com they only Credit the One song writer and not the other three..so if one did not know they would asume that only one person wrote that song and others where not involved, when they where.

Second The Library has limitations too, as they do not have all the books one would need to full argue points as a bonifyed 'amiture philosopher, as anyone with a little more knowledge would argue something wrote further back, or use some obsquire reference from a novel or grimoure that may not be readly avalible in the Public Library.

But the internet is a good place to start on 'expanding on what you have learned, or think you have learned in the public school system, however creditable that may be...An example of a tought lie is the Plymoth Rock story of early Americans landing there , from the may flower, we know, and they concure that they did not land there but used it as a 'Historical land maker, for the perpose of the history books..So again what you have learned in school may also not be the truth..
Joe Union
Posts: 8
Joined: April 19th, 2008, 9:10 am

Post by Joe Union »

Hi, Samhains. Thank you for your reply. I tried to use the "quote" feature, but was unable to get it to work.

I agree that the internet may not be a reliable source. Some of the sites are completely wacko. But there are sites from reliable sources that can be trusted.

A public library while it may have many books, certainly does not have every book written. In the area I live college libraries are open to non-students. One can access them as one can any public library. I don't know if this is true everywhere, but I have browsed and borrowed many times from the college libraries near to where I live.

I think a point to be made, especially on a philosophy board, is to question everything. Just because information can be found online or in a library doesn't make it true. The same could be said for any lecture given by a professor. Taking something and believing it without question because it is said by an "authority" seems to be against philosophical standards.

I agree with your comments about public schools. I don't know how to improve public schools, or even what should be taught, but generally public schools get a failing grade.

Best wishes,
Joe.
User avatar
Samhains
Posts: 193
Joined: December 15th, 2007, 2:56 pm

Post by Samhains »

Hi Joe,
Joe Union wrote:A public library while it may have many books, certainly does not have every book written. In the area I live college libraries are open to non-students. One can access them as one can any public library. I don't know if this is true everywhere, but I have browsed and borrowed many times from the college libraries near to where I live.
Joe.
So then you have answered your own question have you not? Interested to know why a school (at any degree) was a good place to start..You your self have gone to schools you do not even attend and borrowed their books. :)
Joe Union wrote: I think a point to be made, especially on a philosophy board, is to question everything. Just because information can be found online or in a library doesn't make it true. The same could be said for any lecture given by a professor. Taking something and believing it without question because it is said by an "authority" seems to be against philosophical standards.
Joe.
I agree everything must be scrutinized.
"IT is not the shell that we seek, but the nut inside, there for the shell must be broken in order to get at the nut, this is the order of things; and there must be order."
Joe Union wrote: I agree with your comments about public schools. I don't know how to improve public schools, or even what should be taught, but generally public schools get a failing grade.

Best wishes,
Joe.
Linkage needs to be tought more, and an allownce for free thinking imaginative minds to have the time to be that, not so rushed. New things, new projects, new words, new grammer and a new understanding behind each word. Religion perhaps should be taught again, as this may curve the 'gang' and gun violance in the school, where most times this is not tollerated.
We also need to remind these KIDS that they are just that; and that they are not grown men and woman, and the older people need to take back some of this "Respect" that we give to teens. Respect is earned, not given freely given because YOU think your worth it. These Kids who are 19 and younger need to realize they are still 19 and if you spell that the word TEEN is in that. The TEENAGE mind does not finish forming reasoning skills till it is in it's early 20's; A young Adult. These Kids demand repect from people they don't even know.

What respect should I give to a 15 year old other than what a 15 year old should have. They are not adults and should not be spoken to as, nor treated or trusted as.

A 15 year old cares not if he runs you over while driving drunk, thinks not of the kids you have, but only that of the scared little kid in them, that some how has to make it home past the cops and put on a big fake smile for Mom and Dad.



Till now,
blessed be.
Sam
Joe Union
Posts: 8
Joined: April 19th, 2008, 9:10 am

Post by Joe Union »

Samhains wrote:
We also need to remind these KIDS that they are just that; and that they are not grown men and woman, and the older people need to take back some of this "Respect" that we give to teens. Respect is earned, not given freely given because YOU think your worth it.
Yes! Well said.
anarchyisbliss
Posts: 515
Joined: February 28th, 2008, 4:23 pm
Location: Maryland
Contact:

Post by anarchyisbliss »

A 15 year old cares not if he runs you over while driving drunk, thinks not of the kids you have, but only that of the scared little kid in them, that some how has to make it home past the cops and put on a big fake smile for Mom and Dad.

Maybe this is how you felt when you were fifteen, but I beg to differ that all 15 year olds feel this way. I at least know that I didn't when I was 15.
"If there is hope, it lies in the proles." - George Orwell, 1984
grawler
Posts: 4
Joined: November 13th, 2008, 8:53 am

Post by grawler »

Finally someone saying you can know something without going to college or having a degree. I used to tell my dad that it doesn't matter what you actually know only that you have a degree stating that you know something. A person can have knowledge with or without school.
celebritydiscodave
Posts: 125
Joined: October 7th, 2008, 1:42 pm
Location: nr. Leigh on Sea, Essex UK
Contact:

Is discussion always the best option?

Post by celebritydiscodave »

Is discussion the single final option? - Is it not actually more practical, and sometimes much easier, to develop abstract thinking and pure thought through the medium of testing theories from life experience, rather than from there going on to very possibly water down what might otherwise have been revolutionary, and perhaps even potentially positively world changing truths with an underlying need to conform? I merely pose the question.
My main social contention is over the degree of age discrimination/programming that there is of younger adults over not specifically age, but rather...
Anylitical1-10
Posts: 59
Joined: May 2nd, 2012, 2:37 pm

Re: How To Learn About Philosophy

Post by Anylitical1-10 »

I think, that as adults, we should remember that we were once a kid ourselves. And, that as with all kids, we did not learn everything in school. But rather, we had to learn many things through trial and error. For example, I remember that when I was a kid, my mother told me to not stick my hand in that fire, as it would burn. So what did I do? I stuck my hand in the fire. So it is not so much that kids should give us more respect, nor that we should give them more respect. But that we should remember.
Stormy
Posts: 212
Joined: April 19th, 2012, 6:34 pm

Re: How To Learn About Philosophy

Post by Stormy »

You don't learn philosophy, either it comes to you, or you learn about how it came to others. Problem is, most of those who preach it, have nothing in common with it.
Anylitical1-10
Posts: 59
Joined: May 2nd, 2012, 2:37 pm

Re: How To Learn About Philosophy

Post by Anylitical1-10 »

From my own experience, I would say that it is a little of both. With myself, first came the latter, then came the former.
Post Reply

Return to “General Philosophy”

2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021