What should one read to learn about philosophy?

To learn about philosophy, it's beneficial to start with introductory texts, classic works, and technique books that help you understand and analyze philosophical arguments. Here are some recommendations:

Introductory Books

1. The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell: This book introduces major philosophical questions and how they have been addressed by key philosophers1.
2. The History of Philosophy by A.C. Grayling: Offers a comprehensive overview of the development of philosophy from ancient to modern times1.
3. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig: A philosophical inquiry into living a quality life, showing how philosophers think and reason1.

Classic Works

1. Plato's Five Dialogues: Introduces Socrates and Western philosophical traditions through dialogues on morality, citizenship, and the soul12.
2. Seneca's Letters From a Stoic: Provides practical advice on life from a Stoic perspective1.
3. Rousseau's Political Writings: Includes influential works like "The Social Contract," offering insights into political philosophy1.

Technique Books

1. The Philosopher's Toolkit: Teaches how to analyze and critique philosophical arguments, essential for understanding complex texts1.
2. The Socratic Method: A Practitioner’s Guide: Helps develop critical questioning skills, a core aspect of philosophical inquiry1.

Additional Recommendations

• Introduction to Philosophy textbooks: Useful for beginners, providing extracts, timelines, and summaries3.
• The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant: Offers an overview of canonical philosophers4.
• Meditations on First Philosophy by René Descartes: A foundational work in epistemology23.

These texts will provide a solid foundation for understanding philosophy and help you develop the skills needed to engage with more complex works.