Why bother studying philosophy

To study philosophy requires a considerable amount of time and effort in understanding often times extremely complex and multidimensional problems. The actual reason to bother studying philosophy is to be able to skillfully navigate sophisticated landscapes of unresolved abstract obstacles. Thinking through intellectually demanding material reinforces the capacity to transfer problem-solving ability across domains, meaning that the productive study of philosophy strengthens the ability to deal with real and novel problems in ones life as a whole. It’s no wonder that philosophy majors have been reported to be one of the top 10 degrees to produce the most (globally wise) billionaires. There is exceptional economic and personal utility in knowing how to think coherently and holistically.

Here is a video which further elaborates on the utility of studying demanding philosophical texts:

 

How to study philosophy intelligently and effectively

The point of contending with philosophical material is not to memorize long lines of argumentation. The actual objective consists of thinking clearly and precisely. And through that clarity be able to navigate the world more efficiently and integrally. Here is a 5 step process you can apply instantly:

• Read and find a point or argument that grasps your interest. There is no point in reading and understanding anything that doesn’t meaningfully contribute towards your self-understanding.
• Underly with a pen or underlier the text you are interested in.  Separating the trivial from the essential is the most important part of studying.
• Write one to two sentences about the underlined content. You are trying to think through some difficult issues, it is necessary then to crystalize your thoughts into text. By writing you are elaborating on your inarticulate opinions and gut reactions in response to a stimulating feedback.
• Re-write what you wrote into a new version. The first draft is usually imprecise and unimaginative, and that is a good thing. By rewriting the content, you are rearranging and integrating your ideas into your cognition. The more times this is done, the better the results.
• Lastly, document your most insightful and thought-provoking findings in a journal. There are multiple uses for a philosophical journal, the most notable is the ability to revisit (and perhaps correct) some of your most inspiring lines of reasoning and conclusions. That way, you think in a sophisticated, wholistic and independent manner.

Beginner philosophy books

There are many beginner friendly philosophy books out there. Here you will find my personal favorite list. The point is just to get started. Whether with Plato or with Aristotle or Jordan Peterson makes little difference. My only piece of advise is this: don’t read for the shake of finishing a book but instead read to  extract the maximum amount of relevant insight. To read 20 pages of a good philosophy book, which you have actually pondered and interacted, is infinitely more valuable than having skimmed through 10 different ones in a year.

Additional material

Below is my favorite collection of free online resources that have assisted me greatly in my educational journey:

J. Krishnamurti – Official Channel
This is the channel which publishes discussions from the thinker known as Krishnamurti. They discuss topics such as:
– The nature of fear
– The nature of the self
– The relationship between intelligence and integral living
– The relationship between thought, desire and love
-Living without fear and with integrity

Jordan B Peterson

Jordan Peterson is a clinical psychologist, public intellectual and podcast host. He discusses the theories and observations of various psychological authorities. He has a unique talent of breaking high-order abstract intellectual concepts into digestible, practical and implementable techniques or conceptual tools.

– The Fundamental differences in personality and their socio-political implications
– Personality theorist lectures including the theories of: Freud, Piaget, Jung, Adler, Rogers and many others delivered in a flamboyant, unique and sophisticated style while also making the content useful and practical for daily implementation.
– Various podcasts with authorities in every conceivable field from psychology to psychedelic research.
– The significance of individual integrity and personal responsibility