Sage-Tips

How can I study like a philosopher?

6 tips for teaching yourself philosophy

1. Start from a position of ignorance.
2. Expect to go slowly.
3. Read when you are most alert.
4. Pick whatever interests you the most.
5. Get a philosophical dictionary.
6. Familiarize yourself with the history of Western Thought.

What words do philosophers use?

20 philosophical words you need to know

• Act and power:
• Alienation:
• Cogito:
• Conatus:
• Social contract:
• Body:
• Dasein:
• Determinism:

What should I read to understand philosophy?

The Best Philosophy Books for Beginners

• Plato: Five Dialogues by Plato.
• The Emperor’s New Mind by Roger Penrose.
• Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries translated by Bryan W.
• Meno by Plato.
• Republic by Plato.
• Discourse on Method by Rene Descartes.
• Symposium by Plato.
• The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins.

How can I understand my philosophy better?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Do the assigned reading. The philosophical texts simply are the content of the course; if you do not read, you will not learn.
2. Consider the context.
3. Take your time.
4. Spot crucial passages.
5. Identify central theses.
6. Locate supportive arguments.
7. Assess the arguments.
8. Look for connections.

How can philosophy help you address your situation?

The study of philosophy enhances your ability to evaluate and resolve problems. It will help you to analyze concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems. It contributes to your capacity to organize ideas and issues, to deal with questions of value, and to extract what is essential from masses of information.

What is philosophy terminology?

The original meaning of the word philosophy comes from the Greek roots philo- meaning “love” and -sophos, or “wisdom.” When someone studies philosophy they want to understand how and why people do certain things and how to live a good life. In other words, they want to know the meaning of life.

What did you learn about philosophy?

It teaches critical thinking, close reading, clear writing, and logical analysis; it uses these to understand the language we use to describe the world, and our place within it. These are philosophical questions, and philosophy teaches the ways in which we might begin to answer them.

Is philosophy hard to understand?

Philosophy is difficult to understand because it sometimes talks about subject matter to which one cannot relate to some direct, practical experience. On the other hand, such abstract topics are necessary for a broader, deeper and more fruitful understanding of philosophy in general.

Is philosophy easy to understand?

Reading Philosophy is a difficult task, especially coming to uni with little or no background in the subject. Like anything, it does get easier over time, but to help get you started I’ve put together a list of tips that I find useful when reading.

How can you understand philosophy?

Quite literally, the term “philosophy” means, “love of wisdom.” In a broad sense, philosophy is an activity people undertake when they seek to understand fundamental truths about themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationships to the world and to each other.

Is philosophy difficult to understand?

What has come with studying philosophy that has helped you?

“An unexpected, yet incredibly helpful, thing that has come with studying philosophy is the examples of the professors that I have been allowed to witness and be guided by. The joy, eagerness to help, and depth with which the professors in this department engage reality is truly inspirational.

How do you analyze a philosophy assignment?

One of the best ways to understand and analyze a philosophical piece is to discuss it with others. It isn’t always easy to find friends interesting in discussing philosophy at length — but often other members of your class will be willing to talk about the content of assignments.

What is the best way to read Philosophy?

Your task as a philosophy reader is not just to take in information, as you would do with a biology textbook: you are engaging with an argument. You may agree or disagree — but either way, you need to know why you’ve formed a particular opinion. As you’re reading, look for flaws in the writer’s argument, and mark them.

How can I improve my understanding of a philosophical text?

This exercise can improve your understanding of a philosophical text dramatically, showing you viewpoints that were not clear to you before. As you are sorting and fine-tuning your critical remarks, double-check the text to refresh your memory, sharpen your thoughts, and make sure you properly interpreted the author.