- Which book is best to start with philosophy?
It depends on what interests you the most. If you are curious about ancient philosophy, there are classic books that are pretty accessible to beginners, such as Plato's Five Dialogues, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, and Epictetus's Discourses, Fragments, Handbook.
If you are more into modern philosophy, you can pick any of the list above, such as The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton and Late Philosophical Writings by Simone Weil.
You could also start by reading introductory books that guide you through the different philosophical branches, concepts, and main ideas. The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant is a brilliant and concise account of the lives and ideas of some of the world's greatest philosophers. Another option is The History of Philosophy by A. C. Grayling, an exploration of the ideas, views, and teachings of philosophers throughout history.
Philosopher and historian Bertrand Russell also penned two of the most comprehensive introductions to the field, A History of Western Philosophy and The Problems of Philosophy. These books are a must-read for students, specialists, and the general public.
The Philosopher's Toolkit by Julian Baggini and Peter S. Fosl provides the reader with the necessary concepts and argumentative techniques to engage with and participate in philosophical arguments.
After reading these books, you'd probably feel ready to grab and enjoy a more challenging classical work of philosophy.
