Philosophy 101 Question

[Lyons]

Hello, I am fairly new to the study of Philosophy, and would very much appreciate some advice. I was recently introduced to Philosophy by a book called "Think" by a Mr. Simon Blackburn. I found the book very interesting and thought provoking, but at a short 300 pages I soon realized it only skimmed the surface. I was quickly attracted to another title, called "The Dream of Reason" by Anthony Gottlieb, for its generous scope and excellent reviews. Well, I have been very pleased with this book, but now find myself nearly finished.

One thing I have noticed from the latter title is that many philosophical ideas and trains of thought are built on or take for granted earlier ones. So I guess my question would be where would be a good place to start, now that I have a very informal and general idea of Philosophy, so as to not be in over my head?

I have been considering Plato given the fact his work seems to be the most complete of all the ancient thinkers.

I have also been considering Descartes considering he sought a foundation with which to build ideas upon.

Thank you and I welcome any suggestions.

[mkirkpatrick]

Welcome Lyons to the toequest forum,I send you greetings from old blighty (England)
I have no suggestions as such for you to read,Plato and Descates are both fine to begin with,keep on posting,and feel at home to browse around the forum.



warm regards michael.

[Mikal]

Plutarch stated on the "true self."

"They who imagine the mind to be part of the soul err no less than they who make the soul a part of the body: for the mind is far superior to the soul as the soul is better and diviner than the body. The combination of the soul with the mind makes the Logos or reasoning faculty....the soul being moulded and formed by the mind and itself moulding and forming the body, by encompassing it on every side receives from it impression and form...

I have always thought this statement by Plutarch quite intriguing...

Do others have some thoughts on this..?????


Mikal

[Unreal Zelta]

It really depends on your area of interest.

regards

Zelta

[RascalPuff]

Dear Lyon:
You might have a go at browsing around the Encylopedia of Philosophy, at:
http://www.iep.utm.edu/