This page contains a collection of philosophy book recommendations primarily sourced from the r/askphilosophy subreddit. Along with the collection of 500+ philosophy course syllabi, these recommendations were used to create a central resource for philosophy book recommendations. Each link on this page will take you to a thread discussing introductory readings on one of the topics listed below. Following these links should help you find reading recommendations on a wide range of philosophical topics.
Topics
Introduction to Philosophy
- I’m interested in philosophy – where should I start? What should a beginner read?
- Any suggestions for a good intro philosophy book?
- Looking for beginner philosophy books to read
- What are some good, easy to read, books on philosophy?
Epistemology
Introduction to Epistemology
- Recommend me books about epistemology / critical thinking
- What’s a good textbook on epistemology?
- Recommendations for contemporary books in epistemology?
- Epistemology: where to start?
- Epistemology Reading list.
- Askphilosophy FAQ: I’m interested in philosophy – where should I start? What should a beginner read?
Disagreement
Memory
Perception
Skepticism
Testimony
Truth
- Book recommendations about objective truth
- What is a good book aimed at the lay person on the nature of Truth?
Ethics
Introduction to Ethics
- What’s a good book to provide a starting point to ethics?
- What are the best books on the subject of morality?
- Good introductions to ethics for someone who is a relative novice?
- Recommendations for a good Ethics textbook or anthology?
- What are the best books about ethics?
- What are the must-read ethics / moral theory books from the 21st century?
- Introductory book focusing on moral philosophy and ethics?
- Askphilosophy FAQ: I’m interested in philosophy – where should I start? What should a beginner read?
Animal Ethics
- Intro to animal rights/ethics readings?
- What should I read on animal ethics?
- Just finished reading Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation. What are some other essential philosophical texts on animal ethics?
Applied Ethics
Bioethics
Consequentialism
Deontological Ethics
- Recommendations for Contemporary Deontology in Applied Ethics
- What are some contemporary books on Deontological ethics?
- Canonical readings on deontological ethics?
- Recommendations for Contemporary Deontology in Applied Ethics
Effective Altruism
Egoism
Environmental Ethics
Friendship
- What book do you recommend about friendship and relationships?
- Recommendations for essays on Friendship?
- What is “friendship?”
Happiness
- I’m looking for a good read on happiness, as I’m lacking it at the moment.
- Books on happiness as good life?
- What are some good philosophy reads on happiness?
- Need an authoritative guide for “philosophy of happiness”
Hedonism
Philosophy of Love
- Books/essays on love?
- What are some good philosophical texts on “love”?
- Some book recommendations for Love?
- Good books on the philosophy of love
- What are the important works in the philosophy of love?
The Meaning of Life
Metaethics
- Book for introduction to Meta ethics
- Looking to learn about Metaethics
- Good introduction to metaethics?
- Metaethics intro
- Metaethics Introductory Reading
Moral Psychology
- What are some psychology texts that are worth philosophy students reading?
- Books on Moral Psychology
Moral Relativism
Utilitarianism
- What are the best books to read to learn as much as I can about Utilitarian theory?
- Utilitarianism books ?
Virtue Ethics
- Suggested reading on virtue ethics?
- Can you recommend any modern books on virtue ethics?
- Good virtue ethics book
- Good book suggestions on virtue ethics?
- Where can I start reading about Virtue Ethics?
- I wanna make a reading list on virtue ethics. What books should I include?
Well-Being
- The Good Life and philosophical perspectives – request for suggestions/resources
- What are the core components of a good life?
Metaphysics
Introduction to Metaphysics
- I’m interested in philosophy – where should I start? What should a beginner read?
- Introductory texts on Metaphysics?
- Books to start with Metaphysics?
- Askphilosophy FAQ: I’m interested in philosophy – where should I start? What should a beginner read?
Consciousness
- Must read books/papers on Consciousness?
- Can anyone recommend some books on consciousness?
- Looking to read more on Consciousness
Causation
Death
Free Will
- What are some good books about free will and compatibilism?
- Books on determinism/free will/compatibilism…
- Best book on free will?
- What should I read to learn more about free will? Both positive and negative aspects.
Personal Identity
- Advice on philosophy of personal identity
- What should I read to learn about all the different theories of personal identity?
Time
- Books on Philosophy of Time
- What are the best intro textbooks (for a grad student) in philosophy of space and time & phil of quantum mechanics?
Political Philosophy
Introduction to Political Philosophy
- Intro to Political Philosophy?
- Best book for political philosophy?
- What must I read to become familiar in political philosophy?
- Askphilosophy FAQ: I’m interested in philosophy – where should I start? What should a beginner read?
Anarchism
- What to read to learn about Anarchism?
- Introductory books on Anarchist Philosophy
- Philosophy of Anarchism, starting points
- Contemporary anarchist philosophers?
- Philosophical Anarchism
Colonialism
Conservatism
- Conservative political philosophers that leftist should read.
- Who are some recent well-respected (by mainstream philosophers) politically conservative philosophers?
- What are the best primer texts on liberalism and conservatism?
- Good papers on liberal conservatism, such as defended by Burke and Oakeshott
Critical Theory
- Frankfurt School of Critical Theory
- Where does one start with entry-level critical theory?
- How does one start with reading Critical theory? How is post-modernism different from post-structuralism?
- what books to read about The Frankfurt School
Democracy
- Suggested Reading Against Democracy
- Help with understanding democracy
- What are the most fundamental thinkers when it comes to the topic of democracy? What books can help me to get into this topic?
Equality
Free Speech
- What can I read to learn more about social and material limitations to free speech?
- Looking for books critical of Free Speech
Freedom
Justice
- Suggestions of philosophical works concerning the concept of “justice”.
- Recommended reads about the concept of justice?
- Good book recommendations for further studying justice?
Liberalism
- Can somebody recommend 5 books to get me started with contemporary liberalism?
- What are the best primer texts on liberalism and conservatism?
- Liberalism
Libertarianism
Marxism
- What should I read as a good introduction to Marxism?
- How can one get a good introduction to Marxism?
- Easy to read introduction to Marxism?
- What’s the best book about the history and theories of Marxism since Marx and Engels?
Punishment
- The political philosophy of criminal punishment
- Any philosopher related to punishment or punishment theories?
Human Rights
Socialism
War
- War; Strategy and Ethics; Philosophers, or Book recommendations.
- Are there any works on the philosophy of war?
- Pacifist books?
- Moral Theories regarding a just war
Regions
African Philosophy
- What kinds of African philosophy are there?
- Does anyone know any African Philosophers worth a look ?!
- What should I read to learn more about philosophy by African authors?
- African philosophy
Chinese Philosophy
- Let’s talk about Chinese Philosophy!!
- Help with buddhism and chinese philosophy
- Are there any eastern philosophers who are must reads? Are they any different from their Western counterparts?
- What’s a good book about an introduction to Chinese Philosophy?
- Books on Classical Chinese Philosophy?
- Where to start with Eastern philosophy? Particularly Indian/Hindu and Chinese.
Indian Philosophy
Islamic Philosophy
- A good book to begin exploring Islamic philosophical thought?
- Best book for the history of Islamic philosophy?
- Book recommendations on Islamic philosophers?
Japanese Philosophy
Other Topics
Analytic Philosophy
- What are good introductory books on Analytic Philosophy?
- Analytic Philosophy Reading List?
- Are there books which cover the history of analytic philosophy?
- Analytic Philosophy
Art
- Best introductory book to the philosophy of art?
- What is essential reading on the topic of aesthetics?
- Looking for an anthology-type work of essential readings in aesthetics/philosophy of art
- Beginner’s reading into the philosophy of art
- Are there any philosophical works which study beauty and how it affects the beholder?
- Askphilosophy FAQ: I’m interested in philosophy – where should I start? What should a beginner read?
Philosophy of Biology
- Philosophy of biology; best contemporary overview?
- General Audience Phil of Science (biology focus) books
Buddhism
Philosophy for Children
Confucianism
Continental Philosophy
- What introductory work of continental philosophy should I read as an analytic philosopher?
- What books are good overviews of Continental philosophy?
- Best introduction to continental philosophy?
- Recommended readings to get into continental philosophy?
Critical Thinking
- Book suggestions on critical thinking?
- Favorite critical reasoning textbook?
- Any recommended books for improving critical thinking skills
- A Book on Critical Thinking and Argumentation
Daoism
- Can anyone recommend a good introduction to Taoism?
- Best resources for a philosophical understanding of Daoism?
Decision Theory
- Recommendations for intro to decision theory.
- What should I read to learn about decision theory?
- Any leads or introductions to Decision Theory
Philosophy of Economics
- Philosophy of economics reading?
- What are some good contemporary works on the philosophy of economics or the philosophy of finance?
Philosophy of Education
- What is the current state of the philosophy of education?
- Book Recommendation: Philosophy of Education
- Philosophy of education?
Philosophy of Emotion
- Philosophy of emotion?
- Book/reading recommendation: fear/anger/emotions/feelings
- Where to look for philosophers that studied emotions?
Philosophy and the Enlightenment
- I am very interested in reading and learning about philosophy and want to start with books from enlightenment thinkers. Which books are a good place to start?
- Brief books on The Enlightenment?
- Could someone suggest a good book or resource about history of Philosophy especially during the renaissance and the enlightenment periods?
Existentialism
- Books on existentialism.
- Anyone recommend a good reference book on Existentialism
- Book or readings on existentialism ?
- A Beginner’s Guide to Existentialism?
Feminist Philosophy
- Introductory readings for feminism?
- The philosophy of Feminism
- What feminist philosophy can you recommend me?
- How do I become more educated about feminism?
- Where to start with Feminist Philosophy?
- Askphilosophy FAQ: I’m interested in philosophy – where should I start? What should a beginner read?
Philosophy of Film
- Where to start with philosophy of film?
- I want readings/resources on to aesthetics/film theory/cinematography (all things related)
Philosophy of Gender
- As a complete ignorant in philosophy, what books/works should I read to understand current gender theories?
- Could you recommend any readings on gender equality?
- Any philosophers talk about sexuality and genders?
Philosophy of History
History of Philosophy
- Can you recommend a book on the history of philosophy?
- Best book on the history of philosophy
- Wondering which history of philosophy book is best for a beginner.
- What is the best introductory book on the history of (Western) philosophy?
- History of philosophy book recommendations? Comprehensive alternatives to Copleston?
Philosophy of Human Nature
Philosophy of Humour
- Which philosophers touch upon the existence and origins of humor and comedy?
- Is there a philosophy of jokes and humor?
- Philosophy of Humor readings
Philosophy of Language
- Quintessential ‘philosophy of language’ texts?
- Can anyone recommend a good intro to Philosophy of Language book?
- What is a good introductory book on the philosophy of language?
- What is the best book to get a comprehensive overview of the philosophy of language?
Philosophy of Law
- Introductions to Philosophy of Law?
- Introduction to the Philosophy of Law
- What are the best introductory books on jurisprudence?
LGBTQ Philosophy
- Where to learn about queer theory?
- Transgender philosophy basic texts
- What’s the best article or book defending trans rights and responding to objections to trans rights?
Logic
- What is a good book for an introduction to logic?
- What’s a good book to read about logic?
- Can anyone recommend an Intro to Logic book that’s not $50+ dollars?
Philosophy of Mathematics
- Recommended reading on philosophy of maths?
- Good intro books on Phil. of Math
- Wanting to start seriously studying philosophy of math, looking for some light guidance on reading lists.
- Best books for philosophy of mathematics
Philosophy of Mind
Philosophy of Music
- Best introduction for the philosophy of music?
- Does anyone know where best to start reading about the philosophy of music?
Phenomenology
- Recommend a good introductory book on phenomenology?
- Can anyone recommend some good books for starting with phenomenology?
- How to approach Phenomenology?
- What is a good introduction to phenomenology?
Philosophy of Physics
- Philosophy of physics for a physicist
- Recommended reading on philosophy of physics?
- Are there any good books or articles on Philosophy of Physics specifically on Cosmology, Nature and Origins of The Universe, The Nature of Space-Time, Quantum Theory, General Relativity, etc.?
Postmodernism
- Introductions to Postmodernism?
- Intro to post-modernism
- Recommendations of places to start reading on postmodernism
- Intro books to postmodernism and poststructuralism?
- Books about Postmodernism?
Pragmatism
- Best book on Pragmatism?
- Secondary overviews of pragmatism?
- What books can I read to understand Pragmatism as a newbie?
- Best books for an overview of Pragmatism?
Philosophy of Psychology
Philosophy of Race
- What should I read on the philosophy (ontology mostly) of race
- Can anyone give me the name of philosophers who write about racism? I can only find proper arcticles from sociologists and psychologists.
- Racism and Philosophy
- What’s the best of the best of critical race theory?
Philosophy of Religion
- Do you believe in a god? Are there any books that support the idea of a god that I should read?
- Can anyone recommend any books which are Atheistic?
- What’s a good ANALYTICAL book on god’s existence
- Beginner of philosophy, curious about God’s existence
- What’s the best book on religion?
- What are some must read books on the philosophy of religion?
Rhetoric
Philosophy of Science
- Where should i start with philosophy of science?
- Looking for a good introduction to philosophy of science
- Good places to start for philosophy of science?
- Philosophy of Science book recs
- Best Books for Intro to Philosophy of Science?
Philosophy of Technology
Philosophers:
Ancient Greek Philosophy
- Essential readings in Greek Philosophy?
- Could any of you recommend some books to better grasp ancient Greek philosophy (more information enclosed)?
Pre-Socratics
- Best books about Pre Socratic Philosophers?
- Interested in presocratic philosophers
- Best books on the history of presocratic philosophy?
Socrates
- Where to start with Socrates?
- Buying first books on Socrates and Plato. Advice?
- What book should I read about Socratic philosophy? I would consider Socrates a personal hero but have not read The Republic cover-to-cover or any full book about him. Where to start?
Plato
- Reading Plato: What Dialogues to Read? (A Suggestion and Request for Discussion)
- Buying first books on Socrates and Plato. Advice?
- Where to start with Plato
- How to self study Plato?
Diogenes/Cynicism
- What’s one of the best books you’ve read on Cynicism?
- Fell in love with cynicism. What would be a route of readings you would suggest?
Aristotle
- What work is a good place to start when studying Aristotle?
- Is this book a good introduction to Aristotle?
- What are good companion texts to Plato and Aristotle?
- What is the best way to get into Aristotle?
Epicurus
The Stoics
- Book recommendation for Epictetus
- The best place to start with Seneca?
- Works of Seneca
- What are some good books about stoicism?
- Recommended books?
- What is the best first book I should read on stoicism?
- Best book for someone new to Stoicism?
Cicero
- Do you recommend Cicero?
- Recommended Reading for Cicero Ethics?
- Is Cicero worth reading and what are his most interesting works?
Plotinus
St Augustine
Avicenna
St Aquinas
- Any Suggestions For A Layman Who Wants To Read Up On Aquinas?
- What should I read by Aquinas?
- Teaching aquinas to intro students?
Medieval Philosophy
- Introduction to medieval philosophy?
- Where to start in medieval philosophy?
- Recommendations on the history of mediaeval philosophy?
Machiavelli
Montaigne
Descartes
- In what order should I read the works of Descartes?
- Good Descartes Reads
- What’s the best starting point for Descartes? Discourse or Meditations?
Spinoza
Locke
Leibniz
- Where to start with Leibniz
- What’s the easiest way to get into Leibniz ?
- Where should I start with Leibniz?
- Leibniz is hard. What are some good books/resources that give a good overview of his thinking?
Hume
- Where to begin with David Hume
- I want to get into Hume — where should I start? What should I look into or avoid?
Rousseau
- Where to start with Rousseau?
- I’m interested in Rousseau, specifically his ethics. Which work of his should I read?
Kant
- Could you recommend a good introductory text on Kant, please?
- Can anyone recommend a good biography of Immanuel Kant?
- Which book by Kant should I read first?
- If I’m interested in Kant, where should I start reading?
- Could you recommend a good introductory text on Kant, please?
Hegel
- Reading Hegel
- I want to read Hegel and Schopenhauer, but what should I read first?
- Best Book on Hegel for the Layman
- Where to start with Hegel?
- Read commentaries or just Hegel himself?
- Secondary lit on Hegel
Schopenhauer
- I want to start reading Schopenhauer. What book should I read first, and what is the best edition/translation of that book? Thank you
- What Schopenhauer should I read?
- Where Do I start: Arthur Schopenhauer
Kierkegaard
- Where do I start with Kierkegaard?
- Where to Start With Kierkegaard?
- What to read from Kierkegaard?
- Kierkegaard Recommended Reading List
Marx
- How should I start in Marx/Marxism?
- What to read before Marx and in what order should I read Marx’s work
- Where should I start reading Karl Marx theory?
Nietzsche
Frege
Freud
- Where to start reading Freud?
- Should I read Freud?
- Philosophy of Psychoanalysis where should one start, if they are interested in focusing on this field?
Dewey
- Where to start with a comprehensive and detailed look at John Dewey?
- What are some good books to read to better understand the works of John Dewey
- What are John Dewey’s best works on education, politics, aesthetics, and ethics.
Russell
- I want to start reading some of Bertrand Russell’s work. Where’s a good place to start?
- I want to read something by Bertrand Russell. Where should I start?
- Best place to start with Bertrand Russell?
Wittgenstein
- Any good books for a Wittgenstein crash course?
- Best book(s) on Wittgenstein
- How should I start with Wittgenstein?
- Which secondary sources on Wittgenstein would you recommend?
- Wittgenstein: introductions and prerequisites
- Which secondary sources on Wittgenstein would you recommend?
Husserl
- Starting with Husserl
- A good book to start with for Husserl?
- Husserl books
- I want to start working through Edmund Husserl’s work. Where’s a good place to start and why?
Heidegger
- How to start reading Heidegger?
- Where should I start with Heidegger?
- What is the best way to be able to read Heidegger?
- Where to start with Heidegger? What’s his most accessible work?
Lacan
Adorno
Popper
Sartre
Beauvoir
Camus
- Favorite Albert Camus books/essays besides sisyphus/stranger?
- Should i start reading philosophy books with albert camus ?
- Where should I start with Camus?
- Book recommendations about absurdism
- What’s the best Albert Camus Biography?
Arendt
Rawls
- Introductions to John Rawls?
- I want to start reading A Theory of Justice by Rawls. Is there any book or article I should read beforehand to prepare me for it?
- Which Rawls text?
- Where to start with John Rawls?
Foucault
- How do I start reading Foucault’s work?
- What’s the best place to start with Foucault?
- Where to begin with Foucault?
- Foucault Reading Order
- Where to start with Foucault?
- Can you recommend and introductory book on Foucault? It’s a gift for a friend who’s just getting into philosophy, I’m looking to undo some of his Jordan Peterson exposure.