Tubbs' Thoughts

When people think about philosophy, the reaction is typically “ugh, that sounds SO boring” or “we don’t need this anymore”. I won’t lie, some philosophers are easier to read and more relevant than others. However, as a philosopher, it would be wrong of me to not defend my craft as vital to our current day society. Many times, we find ourselves using philosophy each day without realizing it.

Without further ado, here is a collection of philosophy that is both diverse, and approachable.

Ethics

This is personally my favorite part of philosophy. Ethics focuses on what we “ought to do” and what actions are considered “right” and “wrong”. There are many philosophers that are included in this, and some heated debates on the subjects of morality and justice. Here are some philosophers and their works I recommend if you are interested in ethical theory.

Meditations- Marcus Aurelius

Aurelius was a Roman emperor who lived much of his life as a philosopher, with his political policies constantly leaning on his philosophical studies. This work truly encapsulates his ideas on justice, focusing on what makes a “good man” while balancing rationality and achieving harmony.

The Myth of Sisyphus- Albert Camus

The 1942 work be Camus is an analysis of nihilism, as well as the ethics of human existence. Using the Greek legend of Sisyphus, Camus is able to articulate the ethics of perspective when it comes to hardship. For anyone who has struggled immensely in life, this short read can be truly life-changing.

The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.

Albert Camus

Beyond Good and Evil- Friedrich Nietzsche

This is regarded as one of Nietzsche’s best works, as it encompasses his continuing dilemma between “good” and “evil”. Nietzsche is able to question the ethics in creating such stark distinctions between human actions and rationality. This work includes Nietzsche’s infamous “master and slave morality”, which despite its own ethical concerns, provides an captivating lens into ethical theory in the late 19th century.

Existentialism

Why are we here? What is the purpose of human existence? How can we find happiness amidst suffering? These are all questions that are asked in existentialism. This area can be daunting, but I have found it to be the most rewarding for self-discovery and personal growth.

The Plague- Albert Camus

Although Camus himself does not consider this an existential work, the public has soaked in this philosophical work as such. This novel focuses on a group of men who experience the plague sweeping the town of Oran firsthand. Each man’s experience with the plague causes them to question their lives and contributions to the world. It is truly an inspiring work that nurtures our fears of death and despair with resilience and purpose.

The Ethics of Ambiguity- Simone de Beauvoir

Feminist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir has created a two-part work that focuses on personal freedom as a counter to nihilism, as well as some positive attributes to ambiguity, namely liberation. As a feminist, she wonderfully applies these concepts to modern problems that hinder gender equality.

The Concept of Anxiety- Søren Kierkegaard

Danish philosopher Kierkegaard was famous for his thoughtful inquiries into the existentialism that comes with religion. He discusses the idea and foundation of anxiety, as well as the freedom that accompanies it. As someone with anxiety, I found this work to be both inspirational and moving, as it creates a distinctive perspective on anxiety and how we experience the world.

Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.

Søren Kierkegaard

Epistemology

Epistemology is the study of knowledge itself. Reading these may feel like a law seminar at Yale at times, but it will truly make you question everything you know. Anyone who loves true-crime media knows that you have to question your evidence and knowledge to find truth. If this is you, then epistemology is right up your alley.

Knowledge: A Very Short Introduction – Jennifer Nagel

This introduction contemplates the foundations of knowledge and belief. Nagel wonderfully uses logic, psychology, and even language to explain the historical theories of knowledge, as well as their modern-day application. The author also touches on rationalism, empiricism, as well as prediction on how knowledge and evidentiary support will shirt in the future.

Epistemology: An Anthology – Ernest Sosa

This collection of works is a great place to start if you are new to epistemology. This contemporary focus on epistemology creates a new perspective on the field, and provides a more academic style. Fair warning- it presents itself as more of a textbook (which sounds boring), but don’t let that fool you. You are bound to find everything you need and more inside.

Meditations on First Philosophy – René Descartes

Perhaps one of the most complex to read on this list, Descartes is one of the most famous philosophers of the 17th century. His writing style can be difficult at times, but the knowledge and contemplations he brings to the table are indispensable to the field. He aims to create a distinction between mind, body, and soul in order to discover rational support for our own existence.