Best Philosophy books to Read
Book 1: Beyond good and evil
Starting with one of my favorite philosophy books from the list, beyond good and evil. It explores multiple multidimensional phenomena through a witty and characteristically novel philosophical style.
Some of the questions include:
- What are the faculties responsible for a philosopher’s propositions and conclusions (does a philosopher rely primarily and solely on a cold, rational intellect in the making of their propositions?)
- What is the motivating force behind the urge to philosophize
- Is philosophical thinking the byproduct of a collection and association of interconnected drives and sensations which aim towards a particular unconsciously premeditated deduction?(which is then painted and branded as the search for truth?)
- What underling processes compose the distinguishable phenomenon known as thinking?
- What is the role of religion in the shaping of the social classes ? And what is the consequence of the church escaping the hegemonial grasp of a sophisticated visionary ?
- What is the true meaning of genuine independence? And what price does one has to pay (and keep paying tribute towards) to maintain the right of self-ownership ?
I highly recommend this in depth YouTube video which elaborates further on the usefulness of wrestling with a book such as beyond good and evil:
Book 2: Crime and punishment
Although its proper classification is within the realm of literature and psychological horror, Crime and punishment has all the notable qualities of an excellent philosophical masterpiece. Its also a good complementary work to beyond good and evil, both authors have been contending with similar problems. Which makes it an ideal candidate to include in the list for most insightful philosophy books.
Some questions which the book attempts to explore include:
- What is the psychological price one pays for consciously and voluntarily violating one’s traditional moral ethic(even when ones motives are ultimately benevolently aimed towards the oppressed and vulnerable)?
- Is it possible for individuals to create their own unique values?
- Is the neccessity for progress more intrinsically necessary for the continuation and evolution of the human race than the maintenance of common civil liberties? If one had to choose, which good ought to be ranked higher?
- Why does one feel the need to confess one’s crimes to the innocent?
- What is the consequence of complete loss of faith in a shared, collective, uniting narrative? What is the remedy to the total loss of our symbolic currency?
Another video as a brief introduction can be found below:
Book 3: The prince
One of the foundational texts of political science and governmental organization, Machiavelli is offering advice on how to best govern for the maximization of political authority and social stability. He also provides examples of successful and unsuccessful political maneuvers citing various examples from historical figures.
- Does a leader inspire loyalty in their subjects best through love or fear? What should one choose to facilitate when they cant be both?
- Is economic incentive the most beneficial motivating drive in social organization?
- How can one utilize the sense of patriotism that is often present in the hearts of a people?
- Is the use of instrumental speech necessary for effective government? Is it ever useful to go back on one’s word?
- What is the role of violence in the maintenance of social order? How should violence be best used to maximize strategic advantage?
- Is morality a hinderance to governance? And is it more advantageous to be benevolent or to appear as benevolent?
Book 4: Freedom from the known
The book’s language is dry and extremely unphilosophical in nature. Nevertheless, there is a certain clarity and sobriety that accompanies this text, it examines the relationship of thought in relationships and discusses about the significance of genuine integrity in a corrupt world. A unique and challenging book that completely unravels common prejudices that people hold in regards to their motives in their intimate and interpersonal relationships. Clearly deserving a spot as one of the best philosophy books.
Some questions include:
- What is the basis of contemporary relationships? What is the uniting principle that binds individuals in friendship and in romantic commitments?
- Is it possible to care for anyone when one is constantly in a state of continual agony and self-conscious desperation?
- Is intelligence the mere capacity for the manipulation of abstraction? What does it mean to go beyond thought?
- Are there opposites at all ? Or just the mere illusion in opposite values?
- What is the nature of attention? How does one come to understand the phenomena of inattention?
Here is a video from the same author that i found particularly useful. It discusses about the neccessity of independence and freedom from all authority in living a life of authenticity and integrity: