This page contains an organized collection of links and resources on a wide range of philosophical topics. Over recent years, there has been a massive increase in high-quality philosophy resources aimed at a general audience. Projects like 1000-Word Philosophy, Aeon, Philosophy Bites, and Wireless Philosophy are making it easier than ever for anyone to learn about philosophy. Unfortunately, all these resources are spread across many different websites so it can be time-consuming to find quality resources on the topics you find interesting. This page aims to make learning about philosophy as easy as possible by bringing together all of these resources onto one page.
If you’re looking for an in-depth overview of a topic, the relevant Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy article is usually the best place to start, however the SEP is aimed at academics and can often be challenging for beginners. If the SEP article is not what you’re looking for, the other links are usually much more beginner-friendly. To get started, simply choose a topic from the list below:
Topics:
This first section features resources arranged by topic in alphabetical order.
What is Philosophy?
This section features resources on what philosophy actually is and why it is worth studying. You can find more resources on the value of philosophy here.
- Philosophy – article by Thomas Metcalf via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Edward Craig on What Is Philosophy? – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Alex Voorhoeve on why we need philosophers – video via the London School of Economics
- On the Value of Philosophy – a short reading from Bertrand Russell’s The Problems of Philosophy
Ethics
Ethics is the study of concepts involving practical reasoning: good, right, duty, obligation, virtue, choice, etc. You can find an organized collection of articles, podcasts, and videos on ethics here. Or check out one of the topics below:
Animal Ethics
This section features resources on ethical issues relating to animals. You can find a collection of resources on animal ethics here. Or check out the links below to learn more:
- More equal than others – article by Julian Baggini via The Times Literary Supplement
- Peter Singer on using animals – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Ethics: Killing animals for food – video via Wireless Philosophy
- The Moral Status of Animals – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Bioethics
Bioethics is the branch of ethics that investigates problems specifically arising from medical and biological practice. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Bioethics in Action, Part 1 – article by Jacob M. Appel via The New York Times
- Jonathan Wolff on Political Bioethics – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Why Bioethics Matters – video by Robert Klitzman
- Bioethics – article via the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Consequentialism
Consequentialism is the view that the rightness (or wrongness) of an action is determined entirely by its consequences. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Consequentialism – article by Shane Gronholz via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Brad Hooker on Consequentialism – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Consequentialism – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Consequentialism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Deontological Ethics
Deontological ethics refers to ethical views that judge actions primarily based on notions of duties or rights. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Introduction to Deontology: Kantian Ethics – article by Andrew Chapman via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Kant’s Categorical Imperative – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Deontological Ethics – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Effective Altruism
Effective Altruism is a social movement which was influenced by the philosopher Peter Singer and aims to do the most good in the world. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Introduction to Effective Altruism – article by the Center for Effective Altruism
- Effective Altruism – podcast via BBC Radio 4
- The Why and How of Effective Altruism – TED Talk by Peter Singer
Egoism
Egoism is usually divided into two forms. Psychological egoism is the view that people are always motivated by self interest. Ethical egoism is the view that people should always act in their own self interest. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Ethical Egoism – article via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Greg Salmieri discusses Ayn Rand’s moral philosophy – podcast via Elucidations
- Psychological Egoism – Mother Forkin’ Morals with Todd May
- Egoism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Environmental Ethics
Environmental ethics is the branch of ethics concerning issues relating to the environment. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Does nature have value beyond what it provides humans? – article by Michael Paul Nelson via The Conversation
- Can environmental philosophy save the world? – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- The Ethics of Climate Change – lecture by Peter Singer
- Environmental Ethics – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Happiness
All ethical views ascribe some value to happiness, however there is considerable disagreement about what happiness actually is. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Happiness and Its Discontents – article by Daniel M. Haybron via The New York Times
- Happiness – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Authentic Happiness discussion – interview with Martin Seligman
- Happiness – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Hedonism
Hedonism is the view that pleasure or happiness is the only thing that is intrinsically good. All other things are good to the extent that they promote pleasure or happiness. Check out the links below to learn more:
- In defence of hedonism – article by Joe Humphreys via The Irish Times
- The Experience Machine – podcast via The Philosopher’s Arms
- Hedonism and The Experience Machine – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Hedonism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
The Meaning of Life
Many people want a life that is meaningful, however there is considerable disagreement about what exactly makes certain lives meaningful. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Happiness and Meaning in Life: The Sweet Spot Where They Meet – article by Thaddeus Metz via The Conversation
- Susan Wolf on Meaning in Life – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Meaning in Life – interview with Thaddeus Metz
- The Meaning of Life – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Metaethics
Metaethics investigates the nature and grounds of ethical beliefs and systems. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Ethical Realism – article by Thomas Metcalf via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Metaethics and Robust Realism – podcast via Elucidations
- Metaethics 1 – Introduction – lecture by Kane B
- Metaethics – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Moral Luck
How should luck affect our judgements of moral responsibility? Check out the links below to learn more:
- Moral Luck – article by Robert J Hartman via Aeon
- Fiery Cushman on Moral Luck – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The Problem of Moral Luck – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Moral Luck – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Moral Relativism
Moral relativism is the view that moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint (for instance, that of a culture or a historical period) and that no standpoint is uniquely privileged over all others. Check out the links below to learn more:
- The Maze of Moral Relativism – article by Paul Boghossian via The New York Times
- Simon Blackburn on Moral Relativism – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- James Rachels | Five Claims of Cultural Relativism – video by Dr. Gregory Sadler
- Moral Relativism – article via the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is the view that actions should be judged based on whether they tend to maximize happiness, pleasure, or well-being. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Telling right from wrong: why is utilitarianism under attack? – article by Peter Bowden via The Conversation
- Utilitarianism – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Utilitarianism, Part 1 – video via Wireless Philosophy
- The History of Utilitarianism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics is an approach to ethics that tends to emphasize the role of virtue, or moral character, in ethical decision making. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Happy days: virtue isn’t just for sanctimonious do-gooders – article by Laura D’Olimpio via The Conversation
- Virtue – podcast via In Our Time
- The Good Life: Aristotle – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Virtue Ethics – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Political Philosophy
Political philosophy involves philosophical reflection on how we should arrange our collective lives, especially with respect to our political institutions and social practices. You can find an organized collection of articles, podcasts, and videos on political philosophy here. Or check out one of the topics below:
Anarchsim
Anarchism is a political tradition that emphasizes that human communities can and should flourish without government. Check out the links below to learn more:
- What is anarchism all about? – article by Andreas Wittel via The Conversation
- Doing without a ruler: In defence of anarchism – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Introduction to the history of anarchism – video via Then and Now
- Anarchism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Conservatism
Conservatism is a political tradition that emphasizes caution in departing from the historical roots of society, or changing its inherited traditions and institutions. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Why it’s so much harder to think like a conservative – article by Roger Scruton via The Guardian
- Roger Scruton – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- How to be a conservative – lecture by Roger Scruton via the Hoover Institution
- Conservatism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Critical Theory
Critical theory refers to the philosophical approach of the Frankfurt School which aims to understand and critique contemporary society, particularly ways in which society perpetuates domination and limits freedom. You can find a collection of resources on Critical Theory here or check out the links below to learn more:
- How the Frankfurt School Diagnosed the Ills of Western Civilization – article by Stuart Walton via Aeon
- The Frankfurt School – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Cultural Theory: Frankfurt School Critical Theory – video Ron Strickland
- Critical Theory – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Democracy
Democracy is generally defined as a decision making procedure which involves a kind of equality between the participants, often through some kind of voting mechanism. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Why rule by the people is better than rule by the experts – article by Nicholas Tampio via Aeon
- Demons of Democracy – podcast via Hi-Phi Nation
- Democracy – a philosophical puzzle – video by Angie Hobbs via the Arts Enterprise at the University of Sheffield
- Democracy – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Equality
Equality is often considered to be one of the central ideals in political philosophy, but there is considerable controversy around what exactly equality means and what we should aim to equalize. Check out the links below to learn more:
- What’s Wrong With Inequality? – interview with Elizabeth Anderson via The New York Times
- G.A. Cohen on Inequality of Wealth – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Ronald Dworkin: Equality – short video
- Equality – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Free Speech
Free speech involves the right to certain kinds of expression, e.g. criticizing the government, burning flags, and displaying paintings, but there is considerable disagreements as to where the limits to free speech should be placed. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Explainer: what is free speech? – article by David van Mill via The Conversation
- Tim Scanlon on Free Speech – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- What is the Point of Free Speech? TEDx Talk by Rae Langton
- Freedom of Speech – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Freedom
Freedom is often considered to be one of the central ideals in political philosophy but there is disagreement over why freedom is valuable and what freedom consists in. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Tools for thinking: Isaiah Berlin’s two concepts of freedom – article by Maria Kasmirli via Aeon
- Freedom – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- How Do You Know If You’re Truly Free? – TED Talk by Philip Pettit
- Positive and Negative Liberty – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Global Justice
Most political philosophy is concerned about justice within a state. Recently, focus has shifted to more global issues. Global Justice is concerned about these kinds of issues. Check out the links below to learn more:
- How Orwell used rationing to argue for global justice – article by Bruce Robbins via Aeon
- Thomas Pogge on Global Justice and Health – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- What is Global Justice? – interview with David Welch
- Global Justice – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Justice
Justice is also considered to be a central ideal within political philosophy and again there is disagreement around what exactly justice entails. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Towards a Just Society – article by Michael Sandel via The Guardian
- Justice – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- What is Justice? – video by The Funky Academic
- Justice – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Liberalism
Liberalism is a political tradition centered on the individual and the rights that individuals have against interference by the government. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Reports of the death of liberalism have been greatly exaggerated – article by Cole & Craiutu via Aeon
- Raymond Geuss on Political Liberalism – podcast via Elucidations
- Chomsky on Liberalism – video interview with Bryan Magee
- Liberalism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Political Obligation
Theories of political obligation aim to understand under what conditions an individual is obligated to obey the law. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Why should we obey the law? – article by Duncan Ivison via The Conversation
- Morality and the Law – podcast via The Philosopher’s Arms
- Obligation to Obey the Law – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Legal Obligation and Authority – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Punishment
Theories of punishment aim to understand under what conditions punishment is justified. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Theories of Punishment – article by Travis Joseph Rodgers via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Victor Tadros on Punishment – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Just Deserts and Deterrence Theories of Punishment – video by Rober Worley
- Punishment – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Philosophy of Race
Theories of race aim to understand the historical division of humans into various discrete categories. Check out the links below to learn more:
- The Ontology of Race – article by Abiral Chitrakar Phnuyal via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Race – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Racial Ontology – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Race – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Rights
Rights generally refer to certain privileges and entitlements that are owed to people according to some legal or ethical system. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Are human rights anything more than legal conventions? – article by John Tailoulas via Aeon
- John Tasioulas on Human Rights – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- What Are Rights? – interview with Jason Brennan
- Rights – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Social Contract Theory
Social Contract Theory refers to a philosophical tradition than analyses the legitimacy of government through the lens of a hypothetical contract. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Social Contract Theory – article by David Antonini via 1000-Word Philosophy
- The Social Contract – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Contemporary Approaches to the Social Contract – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Socialism
Socialism is a political tradition that emphasizes the dominance of economic power over workers in capitalist societies and generally advocates for workers to have control over the means of production in some meaningful way. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Defining Capitalism and Socialism – article by Thomas Metcalf via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Arguments for Capitalism and Socialism – article by Thomas Metcalf via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Socialism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Toleration
Toleration involves refraining from acting against beliefs or practices which are disapproved of, or politically opposed, or alien. Check out the links below to learn more:
- How old ideas about tolerance can help us live more peacefully today – article by Matthew Sharpe via The Conversation
- Wendy Brown on Tolerance – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- John Locke on Toleration – video by BBC Radio 4
- Toleration – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
War
Theories of war are concerned about what conditions, if any, justify war. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Just War Theory – article by Ryan Jenkins via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Cécile Fabre on Cosmopolitanism and War – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Michael Walzer on Just War Theory – video via Big Think
- War – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Epistemology
Epistemology is the study of knowledge and justified belief. You can find a collection of resources on epistemology here, or check out one of the topics below:
Disagreement
Disagreement is common both in everyday life and in academia. How should we respond to fact that others disagree with our opinions and beliefs? Check out the links below to learn more:
- The Epistemology of Disagreement – article by Jonathan Matheson via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Kieran Setiya discusses moral disagreement – podcast via Elucidations
- Handling disagreement Part 1: Introduction to disagreement – video via Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh
- Disagreement – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Knowledge
What is knowledge? It may seem obvious that we have knowledge about some topic in particular cases, but what conditions need to be satisfied to say that we genuinely have knowledge about something? Check out the links below to learn more:
- The Gettier Problem & the Definition of Knowledge – article by Andrew Chapman via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Jennifer Nagel on Intuitions about Knowledge – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Epistemology: Introduction to Theory of Knowledge – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Epistemology – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Perception
We rely on our senses for a huge amount of our information about the world, however, our senses can often be unreliable. If illusions and errors are possible, how can we trust our senses as a reliable source of information? Check out the links below to learn more:
- Seeing things as they are – article by John Searle via OUP Blog
- ‘The Philosophy of Perception’ with Bence Nanay – podcast via The Panpsycast
- Paradoxes of Perception #1 (Argument from Illusion) – video via Wireless Philosophy
- The Problem of Perception – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Pragmatism
Pragmatism is a philosophical tradition with emphasizes the practical implications of claims about truth and meaning. Check out the links below to learn more:
- To my best belief: just what is the pragmatic theory of truth? – article by Cheryl Misak via Aeon
- Robert Talisse on Pragmatism – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Analytic Pragmatism – video by Scott Aikin and Robert Talisse
- Pragmatism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Skepticism
Skepticism is that view that knowledge or rational belief is not possible, either about some specific subject-matter (e.g. ethics) or in any area whatsoever. Check out the links below to learn more:
- External World Skepticism – article by Andrew Chapman via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Barry Stroud on Scepticism – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The Problem of Skepticism – video by Wireless Philosophy
- Skepticism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Testimony
A large number of our beliefs are formed by trusting the testimony of other people, but knowledge acquired from others can be unreliable. How can know whether the testimony of others is reliable in any particular case? Check out the links below to learn more:
- Take My Word for It: On Testimony – article by Spencer Case via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Can you believe what you hear? Part 1: Introduction to testimony – video via Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh
- Epistemological Problems of Testimony – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Truth
Truth is a familiar concept but what exactly is truth, and what makes a particular statement or fact true? Check out the links below to learn more:
- Truth: It’s not just about the facts – article by Julian Baggini via The Times Literary Supplement
- Truth – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- The Correspondence Theory of Truth – interview with John Searle
- Truth – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Metaphysics
Metaphysics is hard to define precisely. Broadly speaking metaphysics investigates the fundamental nature of reality, including concepts like free will, causation, time and space, the existence of God, etc. Check out some of the topics below to learn more:
Causation
Causation seems like a familiar concept: throwing a rock at a window causes it to break. But causation is suprisingly difficult to define abstractly. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Could we explain the world without cause and effect? – article by Mathais Frisch via Aeon
- Huw Price on Backward Causation – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The Metaphysics of Causation – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Consciousness
It has been said that consciousness is at once the most familiar and the most mysterious thing that we know of. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Mary and the Zombies: Can Science Explain Consciousness? – article by Garg Gutting via The New York Times
- The question of consciousness – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- The Illusion of Consciousness – TED Talk by Dan Dennett
- Consciousness – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Death
What exactly is death and is death bad for us? Check out the links below to learn more:
- Is Death Bad for You? – article by Shelly Kagan via The Chronicle of Higher Education
- What is death? – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Symmetry argument against the badness of death – video by Wireless Philosophy
- Death – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Free Will
If everything in the universe is governed by the laws of nature, does this mean that free will is impossible? Check out the links below to learn more:
- Is Neuroscience the Death of Free Will? – article by Eddy Nahmias via The New York Times
- Thomas Pink on Free Will – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The Problem of Free Will – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Free Will – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
God
Does God exist, and if so what kind of being is God? Check out the links below to learn more:
- Why Take a Stance on God? – article by Gary Gutting via The New York Times
- The Existence of God – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- The Problem of Evil – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Concepts of God – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Personal Identity
When I am elderly, I will be very different in many ways to the person I was as a child. I will look different, behave differently, even the atoms that make up my body will be different. What exactly is it that makes 81 year-old me the same person as 8 year-old me? Check out the links below to learn more:
- Personal Identity – article by Chad Vance via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Christopher Shields on Personal Identity – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Introduction to Personal Identity – video via University of Oxford
- Personal Identity – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Time
The concept of time is at once familiar and mysterious. Augustine once asked: “What then is time? If no one asks me, I know what it is. If I wish to explain it to him who asks, I do not know.” Check out the links below to learn more:
- Time Travel – article by Taylor W. Cyr via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Hugh Mellor on Time – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- What is Time? – lecture by Sean Carroll via The Great Courses
- Time – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is the study of art, beauty, and taste. Links on the topics of art and beauty are listed below:
Art
What separates things that are consider art from things that are not art. And why should we care about art? Check out the links below to learn more:
- Definitions of Art – article by Brock Rough via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Aaron Meskin on The Definition of Art – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- What is art for? – video via The Guardian
- The Definition of Art – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Beauty
Is beauty in the eye of the beholder or is there some objective standard of beauty? What is it that makes something beautiful? Check out the links below to learn more:
- What is beauty if not a jolt that awakens us to the world? – article by Shahidha Bari via Aeon
- Beauty – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Why Beauty Matters – documentary with Roger Scruton
- Beauty – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Non-Western Philosophy
This section features resources from “non-Western” philosophical sources. Unfortunately this section is limited by the fact that there are relatively few beginner-friendly resources for non-Western philosophy.
African Philosophy
- The African Ethic of Ubuntu – article via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Something Old, Something New: Introducing Africana Philosophy – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- African Philosophy and the Enlightenment – video by Philosophy Tube
- Africana Philosophy – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Buddhism
- Introduction to Buddhism – article via BuddhaNet
- Suffering and smiling: the Buddha – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- Buddhism in brief – video via Harvard X
- The Buddha – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Chinese Philosophy
- The influential Confucian philosopher you’ve never heard of – article by Bryan W Van Norden via Aeon
- Michael Puett on Ritual in Chinese Philosophy – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Powerful Life Advice from Ancient Chinese Philosophy – video by Michael Puett via IVY
- Chinese Philosophy – article via the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Confucianism
- The vision of Confucius – article by Daniel K. Gardener via OUP Blog
- Confucius – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Who was Confucius? – video via TED-Ed
- Confucius – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Daoism
- Wu-Wei: Acting without Desire – article by Henrique Schneider via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Daoism – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Daoism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Indian Philosophy
- Modern technology is akin to the metaphysics of Vedanta – article by Akhandadhi Das via Aeon
- Begin at the End: Introduction to Indian Philosophy – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- Epistemology in Classical Indian Philosophy – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Islamic Philosophy
- If Aquinas is a philosopher then so are the Islamic theologians – article by Peter Adamson via Aeon
- The Straight Path: Philosophy in the Islamic World – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- Prof. Peter Adamson: “Philosophy in the Islamic World” – lecture via Talks at Google
- Arabic and Islamic Metaphysics – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Philosophy of Biology
Philosophy of biology investigates concepts related to biology including: life and death, disease, evolution, genetics, species, etc. Check out the links below to learn more:
- What constitutes an individual organism in biology? – article by Derek J Skilling via Aeon
- John Dupré on Genomics – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- What is Philosophy of Biology? – video via Closer to Truth
- Philosophy of Biology – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Existentialism
Existentialism is a loose title for a group of philosophies that emphasize certain common themes, such as: the individual, the experience of freedom and choice, authenticity, rationality, etc. You can find a collection of resources on existentialism here or check out the links below to learn more:
- Introduction to Existentialism – article by Addison Ellis via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Choosing a personal philosophy: Existentialism – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- What is existentialism? – video by BBC Ideas
- Existentialism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Feminist Philosophy
A collection of philosophical approaches that seek to understand and correct biases leading to the subordination of (primarily) women and to end sexism in all forms. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Feminism Part 1: The Sameness Approach – article by Annaleigh Curtis via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Feminism – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Feminist Philosophy – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Philosophy of Language
This section features resources on the philosophy of language. Check out the links below to learn more:
- How playing Wittgensteinian language-games can set us free – article by Sandy Grant via Aeon
- Rom Harré on the Linguistic Turn in Philosophy – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Philosophy of Language – video interview with John Searle
- Philosophy of Language – article via the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Logic
Logic is the study of the principles of correct reasoning. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Logic and Neutrality – article by Timothy Williamson via The New York Times
- Logic – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Validity – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Informal Logic – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Philosophy of Mathematics
This section features resources on the philosophy of mathematics. Check out the links below to learn more:
- What is the Philosophy of Mathematics? – article by Stephen Ferguson via Philosophy Now
- The Philosophy of Mathematics – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Do Numbers Exist? – video via Numberphile
- Philosophy of Mathematics – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Philosophy of Science
This section features resources on the philosophy of science. You can find a collection of resources on the philosophy of science here or check out the links below to learn more:
- The string theory wars show us how science needs philosophy – article by Massimo Pigliucci via Aeon
- The Scientific Method – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Science, Can it Teach Us Everything? – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Scientific Method – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Philosophy of Technology
This section features resources on the philosophy of technology. Check out the links below to learn more:
- Is technology making the world indecipherable? – article by Samuel Arbesman via Aeon
- Significant other beings – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- What happens when our computers get smarter than we are? – TED Talk by Nick Bostrom
- Philosophy of Technology – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Philosophers:
This section features resources on individual philosophers. It is arranged in roughly chronological order.
Pre-Socratics
A loose group of philosophers who (roughly) predate the philosopher Socrates. You can find a collection of resources on the Pre-Socratics here or check out the links below to learn more:
- Philosophy’s Roots and Branches – article by Will Bouman via Philosophy Now
- Malcolm Schofield on the Presocratics – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- Introduction to the Presocratics – video via Academy of Ideas
- Presocratic Philosophy – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Socrates
Greek philosopher (c. 470–399 BC). You can find a collection of resources on Socrates here or check out the links below to get started:
- The Civic Drama of Socrates’ Trial – article by Josiah Ober via Aeon
- Wisdom is Knowing That You Know Nothing – a short reading from Plato’s Apology
- MM McCabe on Socratic Method – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The Ideas of Socrates – video via Academy of Ideas
- Socrates – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Plato
Greek philosopher (c. 429–347 BC). You can find a collection of resources on Plato here or check out the links below to get started:
- Plato’s Form of the Good – article by Ryan Jenkins via 1000-Word Philosophy
- The Allegory of the Cave – a short reading from Plato’s Republic
- The Life and Works of Plato – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- Plato’s Allegory of the Cave – video via TED-Ed
- Plato – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Diogenes
Greek philosopher (c. 400–325 BC). Check out the links below to get started:
- Cynicism we can believe in – article by Simon Critchley via The New York Times
- Beware of the philosopher: the Cynics – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- Introduction to Diogenes – video by Academy of Ideas
- Diogenes of Sinope – article via the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Aristotle
Greek philosopher (384–322 BC). You can find a collection of resources on Aristotle here or check out the links below to get started:
- What can Aristotle teach us about the routes to happiness? – article by Edith Hall via Aeon
- Virtue as a Mean Between Two Vices – a short reading from Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
- Terence Irwin on Aristotle’s Ethics – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The good life: Aristotle – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Aristotle – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Epicurus
Greek philosopher (341–270 BC). You can find a collection of resources on Epicureanism here or check out the links below to get started:
- How to be an Epicurean – article by Catherine Wilson via Aeon
- Pleasure as the Highest Good – a short reading from Epicurus’ Letter to Meneoceus
- Catherine Wilson on Epicureanism – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Epicurus’ cure for unhappiness – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Epicurus – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
The Stoics
Philosophical tradition associated with Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius and others. You can find a collection of resources on Stoicism here or check out the links below to get started:
- How to be a Stoic – article by Massimo Pigliucci via The New York Times
- Life Guided by Stoic Philosophy – a short reading from Seneca’s Moral Letters
- Return of the Stoics – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- The Philosophy of Stoicism – video via TED-Ed
- Stoicism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Plotinus
Founder of Neoplatonism (c. AD 205–270). Check out the links below to get started:
- The revolutionary figure of the beautiful self-improved soul – article by Justine Kolata via Aeon
- Who was Plotinus? – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Plotinus – video by Peter Adamson
- Plotinus – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
St Augustine
Christian philosopher and theologian (354–430). You can find a collection of resources on St. Augustine here or check out the links below to get started:
- How St. Augustine Invented Sex – article by Stephen Greenblatt via The New Yorker
- Life and Time: Augustine’s Confessions – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- St Augustine – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Boethius
Roman philosopher and theologian (c. 475–524). Check out the links below to get started:
- Why Read Boethius Today? – article via Aeon
- The Consolations of Philosophy – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy – video by Dr. Gregory Sadler
- Anicius Manilius Severinus Boethius – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Avicenna
Islamic philosopher and Neoplatonist (980–1037). Check out the links below to get started:
- What can Avicenna teach us about the mind-body problem? – article by Peter Adamson via Aeon
- Avicenna – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Avicenna the Great Persian Philosopher & Physician – video documentary
- Ibn Sina [Avicenna] – article via The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
St Anselm
Medieval philosopher and theolgian (1033/4–1109). Check out the links below to get started:
- The Ontological Argument for the Existence of God – article by Andrew Chapman via 1000-Word Philosophy
- A Caterbury Tale: Anselm’s life and works – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- St Anselm – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
St Aquinas
Italian philosopher and theologian (1225–1274). You can find a collection of resources on St. Aquinas here or check out the links below to get started:
- Thomas Aquinas and God – article by Gaven Kerr via OUP Blog
- The Ox Heard Round the World: Thomas Aquinas – podcast via The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- Thomas Aquinas and the First Mover Argument – video via BBC Radio 4
- Saint Thomas Aquinas – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Machiavelli
Florentine political philosopher (1469–1527). You can find a collection of resources on Machiavelli here or check out the links below to get started:
- The prince of the people: Machiavelli was no ‘Machiavellian’ – article by Catherine Zuckert via Aeon
- Quentin Skinner on Machiavelli’s The Prince – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- What “Machiavellian” really means – video via TED-Ed
- Niccolò Machiavelli – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Montaigne
French philosopher and essayist (1533–1592). You can find a collection of resources on Montaigne here or check out the links below to get started:
- Montaigne, philosopher of life, part 1: How to live – article by Sarah Bakewell via The Guardian
- Sarah Bakewell on Michel de Montaigne – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Introduction to Montaigne (vs populists) – video via Then & Now
- Michel de Montaigne – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Hobbes
English philosopher, mathematician, and linguist (1588–1679). You can find a collection of resources on Hobbes here or check out the links below to get started:
- Thomas Hobbes: A grim portrait of human nature – article by Lou Marinoff via The Times Literary Supplement
- Noel Malcolm on Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan in context – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- 2.2 Introduction to Thomas Hobbes – lecture via the University of Oxford
- Thomas Hobbes – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Descartes
French mathematician and philosopher (1596–1650). You can find a collection of resources on Descartes here or check out the links below to get started:
- Descartes’ “I think, therefore I am” – article by Charles Miceli via 1000-Word Philosophy
- The New Foundations of Knowledge – a short reading from Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy
- A.C. Grayling on Descartes’ Cogito – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Descartes’ Cogito Argument – video via Wireless Philosophy
- René Descartes – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Pascal
French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher (1623–1662). You can find a collection of resources on Pascal here or check out the links below to get started:
- Blaise Pascal – article by Martin Jenkins via Philosophy Now
- Ben Rogers on Pascal’s Pensées – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Pascal’s Wager – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Blaise Pascal – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Spinoza
Dutch philosopher (1632–1677). Check out the links below to get started:
- At a time of zealotry, Spinoza matters more than ever – article by Steven Nadler via Aeon
- Spinoza – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Spinoza and the Radical Enlightenment – video via Then and Now
- Baruch Spinoza – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Locke
English philosopher (1632–1704). Check out the links below to get started:
- Does Locke’s entanglement with slavery undermine his philosophy? – article via Holly Brewer via Aeon
- John Dunn on Locke on Toleration – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Locke on Personal Identity – video via Wireless Philosophy
- John Locke – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Leibniz
German mathematician, philosopher, and polymath (1646–1716). Check out the links below to get started:
- Leibniz’s Principle of Sufficient Reason – article by Marc Bobro via 1000-Word Philosophy
- The Universal Genius: Gottfried Leibniz – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Berkeley
Irish philosopher (1685–1753). Check out the links below to get started:
- Idealism Pt. 1: Berkeley’s Subjective Idealism – article by Addison Ellis via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Tom Stoneham on George Berkeley’s Immaterialism – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Esse est Percipi – (‘To be is to be perceived’) – video via BBC Radio 4
- George Berkeley – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Hume
Scottish philosopher and historian (1711–1776). You can find a collection of resources on Hume here or check out the links below to get started:
- Hume is the amiable, modest, generous philosopher we need today – article by Julian Baggini via Aeon
- Against Miracles – a short reading from Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
- Peter Millican on Hume’s significance – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Hume’s Skepticism and Induction, Part 1 – video via Wireless Philosophy
- David Hume – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Rousseau
Genevan philosopher (1712–1778). You can find a collection of resources on Rousseau here or check out the links below to get started:
- For Rousseau, man is born free, but kept free only by compassion – article by Guy Damman via The Guardian
- Melissa Lane on Rousseau on modern society – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Introduction to Rousseau: The Social Contract – video via The & Now
- Jean Jacques Rousseau – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Smith
Scottish philosopher and economist (1723–1790). Check out the links below to get started:
- We should look closely at what Adam Smith actually believed – article by Paul Sagar via Aeon
- Nick Phillipson on Adam Smith on what human beings are like – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The invisible hand – video via BBC Radio 4
- Adam Smith’s Moral and Political Philosophy – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Kant
German philosopher (1724–1804). You can find a collection of resources on Kant here or check out the links below to get started:
- Kant’s Transcendental Idealism – article by Addison Ellis via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Duty and Reason as the Ultimate Principle – a short reading from Kant’s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals
- Adrian Moore on Kant’s Metaphysics – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The Good Life: Kant – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Immanuel Kant – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Burke
Irish philosopher and politician (1729–1797). Check out the links below to get started:
- Conservatives can’t claim Edmund Burke as their own – article by Richard Bourke via Aeon
- Richard Bourke on Edmund Burke on Politics – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Conservatism of Edmund Burke – video via Serious Science
- Edmund Burke – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Bentham
English philosopher (1748–1832). Check out the links below to get started:
- Who Was Jeremy Bentham? – article by the Bentham Project
- Philip Schofield on Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarianism – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Ethics: Utilitarianism – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Jeremy Bentham – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Wollstonecraft
English feminist philosopher (1759–1797). Check out the links below to get started:
- Mary Wollstonecraft: The first modern woman? – article by Gary Kelly via OUP Blog
- Education, Virtue, and Gender – a short reading from Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
- Mary Wollstonecraft – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Mary Wollstonecraft – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Hegel
German philosopher (1770–1831). You can find a collection of resources on Hegel here or check out the links below to get started:
- What is history? Nobody gave a deeper answer than Hegel – article by Terry Pinkard via Aeon
- Robert Stern on Hegel on Dialectic – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Introduction to Hegel: Philosophy in the Sopranos – video via Then & Now
- Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Schopenhauer
German philosopher (1788–1860). You can find a collection of resources on Schopenhauer here or check out the links below to get started:
- Arthur Schopenhauer: The first European Buddhist – article by Julian Young via the Times Literary Supplement
- Schopenhauer – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Why study Arthur Schopenhauer? – video via the University of Nottingham
- Arthur Schopenhauer – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Mill
English philosopher (1806–1873). You can find a collection of resources on John Stuart Mill here or check out the links below to get started:
- John Stuart Mill on The Good Life: Higher-Quality Pleasures – article by 1000-Word Philosophy
- The Harm of Silencing Minority Opinions – a short reading from John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty
- Richard Reeves on Mill’s On Liberty – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- John Stuart Mill’s big idea: Harsh critics make good thinkers – video via Big Think
- John Stuart Mill – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Darwin
English naturalist (1809–1882). Check out the links below to get started:
- Guide to the classics: Darwin’s On the Origin of Species – article by Kindt & Latty via The Conversation
- Evolution is evolving – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Is Darwinism ‘the best idea anyone has ever had’? – video via BBC Ideas
- Darwinism – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Kierkegaard
Danish philosopher and theologian (1813–1855). You can find a collection of resources on Kierkegaard here or check out the links below to get started:
- Kierkegaard’s world, part 1: What does it mean to exist? – article by Clare Carlisle via The Guardian
- Clare Carlisle on Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Kierkegaard and the contemporary spirit – lecture by Rick Roderick
- Søren Kierkegaard – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Marx
German philosopher (1818–1883). You can find a collection of resources on Marx here or check out the links below to get started:
- Who is Marx now and what can he say to the 21st century? – article by Terrell Carver via Aeon
- Brian Leiter explains why we should think about Marx – podcast via Elucidation
- Why Marx Was Right – talk by Terry Eagleton
- Karl Marx – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Nietzsche
German philosopher (1844–1900). You can find a collection of resources on Nietzsche here or check out the links below to get started:
- Far right, misogynist, humourless? Why Nietzsche is misunderstood – article by Sue Prideaux via The Guardian
- Brian Leiter on Nietzsche Myths – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The Good Life: Nietzsche – video via Wireless Philosophy
- Friedrich Nietzsche – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Freud
Viennese founder of psychoanalysis (1856–1939). You can find a collection of resources on Freud here or check out the links below to get started:
- Freud as Philosopher – article by Gordon Marino via The New York Times
- Freud the philosopher – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- The Freudian Unconscious: 1. Meet Sigmund – video via Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh
- Sigmund Freud – article via the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Russell
English philosopher (1872–1970). You can find a collection of resources on Bertrand Russell here or check out the links below to get started:
- Bertrand Russell: The everyday value of philosophy – article by Clare Carlisle via The Guardian
- On the Value of Philosophy – a short reading from Russell’s The Problems of Philosophy
- Bertrand Russell – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Bertrand Russell on Philosophy – video interview with Bertrand Russell
- Bertrand Russell – article via The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Wittgenstein
Austrian philosopher (1889–1951). You can find a collection of resources on Wittgenstein here or check out the links below to get started:
- How Wittgensteinian language-games can set us free – article by Sandy Grant via Aeon
- Barry Smith on Wittgenstein’s conception of philosophy – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Wittgenstein’s beetle in a box analogy – video via BBC Radio 4
- Ludwig Wittgenstein – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Heidegger
German philosopher (1889–1976). Check out the links below to get started:
- Martin Heidegger: The forgetfulness of Being – article by David E. Cooper via The Times Literary Supplement
- The Heidegger Way – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Heidegger: The rejection of humanism – lecture by Rick Roderick
- Martin Heidegger – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Popper
Philosopher of science (1902–1994). Check out the links below to get started:
- Karl Popper and Falsificationism – article by Michael Zerella via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Popper – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Karl Popper’s Falsification – video via BBC’s Radio 4
- Karl Popper – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Sartre
French philosopher and novelist (1905–1980). Check out the links below to get started:
- A student’s guide to Jean-Paul Sartre’s Existentialism and Humanism – article by Nigel Warburton via Philosophy Now
- Mary Warnock on Sartre’s Existentialism – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Sartre: The Road to Freedom – lecture via Rick Roderick
- Jean-Paul Sartre – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Beauvoir
French feminist philosopher and novelist (1908–1986). Check out the links below to get started:
- Simone de Beauvoir’s political philosophy resonates today – article by Skye C Cleary via Aeon
- Kate Kirkpatrick on the life and work of Simone de Beauvoir – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- Feminine beauty: A social construct? – video via BBC Radio 4
- Simone de Beauvoir – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Arendt
German-born philosopher (1906–1975). You can find a collection of resources on Arendt here or check out the links below to get started:
- What did Hannah Arendt really mean by the banality of evil? – article by Thomas White via Aeon
- Hannah Arendt – podcast via BBC’s In Our Time
- Richard J. Bernstein on Hannah Arendt – video via IMHE Productions
- Hannah Arendt – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Camus
Algerian-born French novelist and philosopher (1913–1960). Check out the links below to get started:
- Camus on the absurd: The Myth of Sisyphus – article by Erik Van Aken via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Albert Camus and the absurd – podcast via The Philosopher’s Zone
- Albert Camus on the absurd – video by Gregory Sadler
- Albert Camus – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Rawls
American moral and political philosopher (1921–2002). Check out the links below to get started:
- John Rawls’ ‘A Theory of Justice’ – article by Ben Davies via 1000-Word Philosophy
- Jonathan Wolff on John Rawls’ A Theory of Justice – podcast via Philosophy Bites
- The veil of ignorance – video via BBC Radio 4
- John Rawls – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Foucault
French historian and philosopher (1926–1984). You can find a collection of resources on Foucault here or check out the links below to get started:
- Why Foucault’s work on power is more important than ever – article by Colin Koopman via Aeon
- Susan James on Michel Foucault and Knowledge – podcast via Philosophy Bites The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps In Our Time The Philosopher’s Zone
- Introduction to Foucault – video via Then & Now
- Michel Foucault – article via the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
There are too many great resources on this page to take in all at once. If you’re looking for an easy way to learn more about philosophy, sign up below to get a collection of beginner-friendly philosophy resources delivered to your inbox each week. It’s the easiest way to learn a little about philosophy each and every week.