Philosophy Books reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 265 Reddit reviews across 16 subreddits and 72 posts to rank the best Philosophy Books brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/suggestmeabook, r/askphilosophy, r/booksuggestions, r/entp, r/DabooqClub. Top-rated brands include Jostein Gaarder (4.8/5), Plato (4.8/5), Bertrand Russell (4.6/5).
Stats
Reviews265
Subreddits16
Posts72
Brands75
Products93
265 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Jostein Gaarder
4.8
(42)
"Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder is a fabulous example of a modern philosophy book."
"Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder"
"Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder"
"I really loved Sophie’s World! It’s a fictional story that introduces you to almost every important philosopher"
"Sophie’s world will give you a decent introduction through the ages of philosophy."
"One of the best books that serves as an introduction to philosophy and an enjoyable read"
"I cannot recommend it enough."
"Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder"
"Will give you an overview of the most important philosophers."
"Sophie's World is a gentle history of philosophy."
#2
Plato
4.8
(19)
"If you can only read one thing by Plato, read The Republic."
"His dialogues, especially The Republic, are very readable."
"You have to read Plato’s The Republic and Five Dialogues. They are classics"
"Plato's *Republic* and Descartes' *Meditations on First Philosophy* are great places to start."
"Plato’s republic is your best bet."
"Plato’s “republic” is the perfect place to start imo."
"Plato’s “Republic” is perhaps the most influential book of moral philosophy."
"Anything from Plato. In particular, Phaedo and The Republic are very good for beginners."
"Plato's Republic."
"Look into Plato’s allegory of the cave."
#3
Bertrand Russell
4.6
(19)
"I love A History of Western Philosophy by Russell."
"He gives you a quick summary of the main philosophers’ arguments."
"The book that made me become a philosophy student."
"Bertrand Russell’s A History of Western Philosophy is a great place to start."
"If you're looking for a great background to start with Bertrand Russell's {{A History of Western Philosophy}} is a great place to begin."
"It's a fat read (700+ pages) but a A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell is so good!!"
"Really easy but with a tiny bit more depth in certain areas"
"Bertrand Russell's essays are a great place to start."
"A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell"
"An excellent Mysticism and Logic so you get his take in the larger context."
#4
Marcus Aurelius
4.8
(18)
"How about a classic with Meditations by Marcus Aurelius"
"Meditations - Marcus Aurelius."
"Meditations by marcus aurelius is a great one tho."
"Read about the sayings and discourses of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Aristotle and Socrates."
"Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. You’ve no idea just how still relevant it is today until you read it."
"Marcus Arelious’s Meditations."
"Is VERY readable and extremely moving."
"I really enjoyed and have only heard good things about Meditations by Marcus Aurelius."
"Meditations by Marcus Aurelius are profound yet simple philosophies."
"First choices"
#5
Thomas Nagel
4.5
(11)
"For a good primer, check out *What Does It All Mean?* by Nagel."
"For a good primer, check out *What Does It All Mean?*"
"Very simple and short: Thomas Nagel "what does it all mean?""
"Is the most accessible - explicit - introduction to philosophy in my knowledge."
"{{What Does It All Mean? by Thomas Nagel}}"
"What does it all mean by nagel."
"What Does It All Mean? by Nagel."
"Short very comprehensive introduction to the problems of Philosophy."
"Very respected modern philosopher."
"Short book which highlights ten major ideas, without any history."
#6
Albert Camus
4.5
(11)
"It's a classic that explores alienation and morality."
"The myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus"
"How about 'the Myth of Sisyphus'"
"Camus' books probably, like The Stranger."
"The Stranger by Albert Camus."
"Read Camus, the myth of Sysiphus"
"Definitely a good start"
"Camus' books probably, like The Stranger."
"The stranger by Albert Camus. It’s fiction but philosophy."
"The Stranger by Albert Camus, Nausea by Jean Paul Sartre, and Candide by Voltaire are all good philosophical fiction books."
#7
Will Durant
4.6
(10)
"Great overview of different schools of thought."
"Great overview of different schools of thought."
"{{The Story of Philosophy}} by Will Durant set my brain on fire."
"The most enjoyable and readable synopsis of western philosophy ever written."
"Will Durant. You always start with him, then you fall in love with Philosophy."
"The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant. Well written examination of the major philosophies."
"I liked "The Story of Philosophy" by Will Durant."
"Will Durant's "story of philosophy" is an ideal start in my opinion."
"Will Durant's "story of philosophy" is an ideal start in my opinion."
"I think The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant is a good, interesting, gentle introduction to western philosophy."
#8
Ryan Holiday
4.8
(8)
"Ryan Holiday’s books : Obstacle Is The Way."
"Ryan Holiday’s books : Stillness Is The Key."
"Ryan Holiday’s books : Ego Is The Enemy."
"Ryan Holiday’s books : Discipline Is Destiny."
"Ryan Holiday’s books : Daily Stoic."
"Ryan Holiday’s books : Courage Is Calling."
"The Daily Stoic - Ryan Holiday."
"The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday is Stoicism dressed up as self-help"
#9
Julian Baggini
4.5
(8)
"A good choice might be Julian Baggini's *The Pig that Wants to be Eaten*."
"Very entertaining but still 100% real philosophy."
"{{The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten by Julian Baggini}}"
"Making sense: philosophy behind the headlines."
"A good choice for an introduction for a general reader might be Julian Baggini's *The Pig that Want"
"A good choice for an introduction for a general reader might be Julian Baggini's The Pig that Wants"
"A good choice for an introduction for a general reader might be Julian Baggini's The Pig that Wants to be Eaten"
"The pig that wants to be eaten by Julian baggini"
#10
Robert M. Pirsig
4.7
(6)
"Persig’s *Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance* would be a great direction to take"
"Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance."
"Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintenance."
"Is a book by Robert M. Pirsig first published in 1974."
"*Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance* by Robert M Pirsig is a possibility."
"Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."
#11
Friedrich Nietzsche
4.5
(6)
"I always enjoyed Nietschze."
"If you find yourself interested in Nietzsche, start with **Beyond Good and Evil."
"Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche."
"Friedrich Nietzsche - Beyond Good and Evil"
"I personally recommend Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Nietzschean books thereafter."
"Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche."
#12
Benjamin Hoff
4.6
(5)
"*The Tao of Pooh* and *The Te of Piglet*"
"The Tao of Pooh....great book."
"The Tao of Pooh."
"If that's too deep try *The Tao of Pooh* by Benjamin Hoff"
"A good intro to Eastern philosophies."
#13
Michael Sandel
4.6
(5)
"You could start with a youtube class by Michael Sandel called Justice."
"{{Justice by Michael Sandel}}"
"Justice by Michael Sandel"
"Justice by Michael Sandel"
#14
Alain de Botton
4.4
(5)
"Another book in-line with the general kind of books you give in your OP: Alain de Botton's *The Consolations of Philosophy*."
"The Consolation of Philosophy is an amazing read."
"Start with the Consolations of Philosophy."
"The consolations of philosophy by Alain de Botton could also be a suitable starting point for your friend."
#15
Simon Blackburn
3.8
(5)
"Get Simon Blackburn's 'Think' and explore from there."
"Think by Simon Blackburn"
"Think by Simon Blackburn. The problem with philosophy is that it's disciplined thought."
"Think by Simon Blackburn is fairly digestible."
"Think"
#16
Eckhart Tolle
4.8
(4)
"The power of now by Eckhart Tolle is a great place to start!"
"The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle"
"It's absolutely foundational to living an engaged life imo."
#17
René Descartes
4.3
(4)
"Plato's *Republic* and Descartes' *Meditations on First Philosophy* are great places to start."
"A perfectly fine place to start and an enjoyable read."
"{{Meditations on First Philosophy by Descartes}} was one of the first books covered in my UG Philosophy degree."
"Descartes's Meditations on First Philosophy is actually done in a lot of intro-level philosophy courses."
#18
Paul Kleinman
5.0
(3)
"Philosophy 101 by Paul Kleinman, it’s perfect for beginners."
"Philosophy 101 by Paul Kleinman"
#19
Michael Schur
4.7
(3)
"I really liked *How to Be Perfect* by Michael Schur, which is basically all the moral philosophy he learned while making (the fantastic sitcom) *The Good Place.*"
"A funny book that gets absolute beginners into moral philosophy."
"An easy dip into moral philosophy. It's also pretty funny."
#20
Seneca
4.3
(3)
"Seneca, letters from a stoic."
"On Anger, Seneca"
"{{Letters from a Stoic by Seneca}}"
#21
DK
4.0
(3)
"Illustrated, easy compression and good authors."
"This one is really good."
"The Philosophy Book by DK. It's a great introduction to many great theories."
#22
Viktor Frankl
5.0
(2)
"I'd also recommend Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl."
"{{Man's Search for Meaning}}"
#23
Epictetus
5.0
(2)
"I just re read the works of epictetus."
"Easiest, eg Schopenhauer's The Wisdom of Life, The Enchiridion by Epictetus"
#24
Fyodor Dostoevsky
5.0
(2)
"The Brothers Karamazov."
"One of my all time favorite authors is Fyodor Dostoevsky."
#25
Kahlil Gibran
4.5
(2)
"Two that are extremely easy to read and very powerful."
"'The Prophet' - Kahlil Gibran."
#26
Todd May
4.5
(2)
"It's very short and accessible and you can see the guy's influence on the ideas behind The Good Place."
"From Chidi's reading list, {{Death by Todd May}}."
#27
Robert Pirsig
4.5
(2)
"'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' - Robert W. Pirsig."
#28
Peter Singer
4.5
(2)
"Practical Ethics by Peter Singer"
"{{Practical Ethics}} by Peter Singer"
#29
Nigel Warburton
4.5
(2)
"Easy to understand and gives a very broad survey of the main topics in philosophy"
"Nigel Warbuton - A little History of Philosophy"
#30
Tom Morris
4.5
(2)
"The main ideas of Western philosophy are set forth in Tom Morris' *Philosophy for Dummies.*"
#31
Paulo Coelho
4.5
(2)
"{{The Alchemist}}."
"You can try ***The Alchemist*** **by Paulo Coelho** while not strictly philosophy, this story is filled with philosophical ideas about destiny, purpose, and the meaning of life."
#32
Jean-Paul Sartre
4.5
(2)
"Existentialism is a Humanism by Jean Paul Sartre."
"Sartre's 'Existentialism is a Humanism'."
#33
Jonathan Lear
4.0
(2)
"Lear is brilliant and I suggest him as well, but it's far more advanced than Adler."
"An alternative overview of Aristotle that I strongly prefer to Adler is Lear, *Aristotle: The Desire to Understand*."
#34
Sarah Bakewell
4.0
(2)
"*At the Existential Café* by Sarah Bakewell is a great introduction to existentialism."
#35
Zhuangzi
5.0
(1)
"The Book of Zhuangzi is my favourite. Taoist philosophy delivered with a lot of humour, wisdom and whimsy."
#36
Ernest Becker
5.0
(1)
"It's a Pulitzer Prize-winning book that delves into the human fear of death."
#37
Kincaid and Sullivan
5.0
(1)
"Kincaid and Sullivan's (eds.) *Classifying Psychopathology*"
#38
Dave Robinson and Judy Groves
5.0
(1)
"It’s nice little book that introduces the thinking of all the significant philosophers."
#39
Kleinman
5.0
(1)
"Kleinman's *Rethinking Psychiatry*"
#40
Ralph Waldo Emerson
5.0
(1)
"Self Reliance and Other Essays, by Ralph Waldo Emerson."
#41
Sartre
5.0
(1)
"Sartre's *Sketch*"
#42
Geertz
5.0
(1)
"Geertz's *The Interpretation of Cultures*"
#43
Yuval Noah Harari
5.0
(1)
"As a beginner.. go for Yuval Noah Harari's - 21 Lessons for the 22st Century"
#44
Canguilhem
5.0
(1)
"Canguilhem's *The Normal and the Pathological*"
#45
Yale
5.0
(1)
"It was also a Yale course that he taught and is available on Youtube."
#46
Irvin Yalom, Rollo May
5.0
(1)
"Irvin Yalom and Rollo May have some great philosophical books on existentialism."
#47
Anthony Kenny
4.0
(1)
"The first volume of Kenny's history of philosophy is about ancient philosophy."
#48
Frederick Copleston
4.0
(1)
"For something shorter and more accessible than Reale, the first volume of Copleston's History of Philosophy"
#49
Sigmund Freud
4.0
(1)
"Sigmund Freud - Moses and Monotheism"
#50
Richard John Lynn
4.0
(1)
"The *Zhuangzi* would be a good follow-up, perhaps the new Richard John Lynn translation."
#51
Harry G. Frankfurt
4.0
(1)
"Also recommend On Bullshit by Henry Frankfurt, a nice little book on the philosophy of bullshit."
#52
Guy Debord
4.0
(1)
"Society of the Spectacle, Guy Debord"
#53
Philosophy Dictionary
4.0
(1)
"Simply a philosophy dictionary is amazing to introduce you to the basics."
#54
The Chimp Paradox
4.0
(1)
"The chimp paradox."
#55
Daniel Robinson
4.0
(1)
"The great ideas of Philosophy by Daniel Robinson, series of lectures (audiobook)"
#56
Mortimer J. Adler
4.0
(1)
"For Aristotle I'd read 'Aristotle for Everybody' by Mortimer J. Adler."
#57
DK Publishing
4.0
(1)
"The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained (DK Publishing). Bird's eye view of the subject"
#58
Nozick, Rawls, Sandel
4.0
(1)
"A common way to start on contemporary political philosophy would be to read Nozick's *Anarchy, State, and Utopia* and Rawls' *A Theory of Justice*."
#59
Very Short Introductions
4.0
(1)
"The *Very Short Introductions* series is pretty good."
#60
José Ortega y Gasset
4.0
(1)
"The Revolt of the Masses, Jose Ortega y Gasset"
#61
Joel Kupperman
4.0
(1)
"Classic Asian Philosophy by Joel Kupperman is a good start."
#62
Baruch Spinoza
4.0
(1)
"Any intro to Baruch Spinoza, Various"
#63
Will MacAskill
4.0
(1)
"What Do We Owe the Future --Will MacAskill"
#64
Mark Rowlands
4.0
(1)
"The Philosopher and the Wolf talks about philosophy in the context of the narrator."
#65
John Stuart Mill
4.0
(1)
"John Stuart Mill. I always found his writing snarky."
#66
Icon Books
4.0
(1)
"Some of the [Icon Books Philosophy for Beginners] series are fun and interesting."
#67
Octavia Butler
4.0
(1)
"Parable of the Sower, sci-fi talks about Ethics"
#68
John R. Perry
4.0
(1)
"{{Introduction to Philosophy: Classical and Contemporary Readings by John R. Perry}}"
#69
Anthony McGowan
4.0
(1)
"*How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog* by Anthony McGowan is a brilliant introduction to Western philosophy."
#70
James Carse
4.0
(1)
"Finite and Infinite Games, by James Carse."
#71
Frantz Fanon
4.0
(1)
"Black Skin White Masks by Franz Fanon is a great Intro to existentialism."
#72
Bell Hooks
4.0
(1)
"All About Love, Bell Hookes."
#73
Terry Pratchett
4.0
(1)
"Terry Prachett. His books are fantasy that talk about morals."
#74
James Allen
4.0
(1)
"As a Man Thinketh - James Allen."
#75
Great Courses
3.0
(1)
"The great course "sci-phi" is an inch deep and a mile wide."
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