How to Learn Philosophy Without Going to Class
1. Read the books “A History of Western Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell or “The Story of Philosophy” by Will Durant
A History of Western Philosophy is commonly considered the one of the most comprehensive books on Western Philosophy. It dives into the teachings of some of the most famous philosophers in history, including Aristotle, Plato, and Kant. Even though the book was published in 1945, it has stood the test of time by explaining the concepts upon which virtually all Western Philosophy is built.
The Story of Philosophy also explores the theories and teachings of the greatest philosophers of all time. It works well as an overview for those who are extremely new to philosophy. It is written in a way that makes philosophy engaging. The writer provides a witty and colorful overview to make reading about various philosophers and their theories interesting and easy to understand.
These books provide a foundation for philosophy today. They are comprehensive and you can pick them up and read them at your leisure. If you want an in-depth look at philosophy’s greatest minds, these books provide a great start.
2. Listen to bite-sized audio courses on Listenable
Does it seem like you have no time for learning philosophy? But what about during your commute, while running, or when doing housework? Listenable is a mobile app that helps you learn new things through audio while you’re doing something else. In the app, you can build your learning playlist and listen to 5-minute audio lessons screen-free, anytime, anywhere.
They have plenty of courses on philosophy like Philosophy of Happiness or Sci-Phi: Philosophy through Science Fiction.
3. Take bite-sized courses on philosophy on Highbrow
Highbrow offers 10-day courses delivered in easy-to-digest e-mails. Their philosophy courses range from basic philosophical ideas to the history of those who are considered the fathers of modern psychology. The courses also include specific topics like Women in philosophy or Introduction to utilitarianism.
Highbrow sends you a brief e-mail every day for up to ten days. This format allows you to take small bites of a complex subject. It can be far less intimidating than reading a book or taking a more in-depth course. These e-mails are delivered every morning so that you can read about philosophy with your morning coffee. When the content is delivered in this way, you are far more likely to finish the course compared to getting through a dense book.
4. Use Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy is the ultimate resource for all things philosophy. Work from scholars around the world is combined into one resource and updated periodically so you know that you are always reading the latest information in the field of philosophy.
Instead of providing a history or overview information, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy publishes works on related concepts based on today’s research. While you can learn about philosophical foundations, the focus of the Encyclopedia is more about the development of philosophical ideas over time. However, because virtually all philosophical ideas are built upon philosophical giants like Aristotle and Plato, you will inherently learn about those ideas as well.
Because the Encyclopedia is is a tool geared toward academia, it can be difficult to read and understand, especially for someone who is new to philosophy. Nonetheless, it is an excellent resource on the subject, and it does save older versions of the Encyclopedia so you can watch modern philosophy develop over time.
5. Listen to the podcasts “Philosophy Bites” and “Partially Examined Life”
Podcasts can be a great way learn philosophy because some of the concepts can be more easily understood when someone explains it to you, instead of reading it about it. It is also extremely interesting to hear experts in the field muse about potential ideas or changes in traditional philosophical thinking. Podcasts, in general, are a handy way to learn because you can take them on the go. It is easy to listen to them over lunch or on your morning commute.
The Partially Examined Life is both a podcast and a blog on philosophy. Every episode is a roundtable discussion that is focused on short reading that focuses on one philosophical concept or idea. Its casual vibe makes each episode interesting and easy to understand for the average listener.
Philosophy Bites has a different approach. In each episode, one of the top philosophers is interviewed on a particular subject. The podcast has a more formal tone than The Partially Examined Life, but it does offer the views of an array of extremely qualified thinkers in this area.
6. Watch Philosophy Tube or Wireless Philosophy Youtube channels
Philosophy Tube was created by Olly, an individual who graduated from a British university and majored in Philosophy. He created the channel as a way to share ideas and allow others to learn philosophy without paying the outrageous tuition prices associated with higher education. Each of his shows focuses on a philosophical idea or individual. He also reads out comments and engages with his audience to make the learning experience a group effort. Most videos are under ten minutes and are interesting and enjoyable.
Wireless Philosophy is another YouTube channel focused on philosophy. It uses animated videos and partners with professors from renowned learning centers like Yale and MIT to explain philosophical concepts. They are designed to be accessible, entertaining, and interesting. Most videos are under 10 minutes. The approach is slightly different than Philosophy Tube because each video features a different person, which may make them more or less interesting depending on who is speaking or presenting.
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