Choosing which philosophy books you should read entirely depends upon you; and whether you are inclined more toward practical or theoretical philosophy. Practical Philosophy books are based on ethics, politics, and aesthetics whereas Theoretical Philosophy books are based on logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ontology, and philosophy of science and mind. We will talk more about popular philosophy books and famous Philosophers of all times.
What are some of the best books on philosophy?
Some of the best philosophy books to read are given below:
1. Power of subconsciousness by Murphy Joseph
![Power of subconsciousness by Murphy Joseph](https://feedhour.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design-50-min_11zon.jpg)
One of the best-selling philosophy books, it gives you knowledge about how you can use the power of your subconscious mind to change the way you live. There are special techniques that you can learn to use for living a healthy and fuller life. These techniques have been researched and proven before being described in this book.
2. The Republic Philosophy Books by Plato
![The Republic by Plato](https://feedhour.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design-51-min_11zon.jpg)
A reader’s first choice should be that of Plato. The Republic is a classic and one of the best works. Plato’s works are considered easy to read and hence are perfect for beginners. In this book, he talks about justice and order. He discusses their meaning as well as the nature of justice.
3. The Sacred Writings of Socrates Scholasticus
![The Sacred Writings of Socrates Scholasticus](https://feedhour.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design-52-min_11zon.jpg)
It talks about the life of Socrates and the ‘Ecclesiastical History’ by him. It comprises his Sacred writings and includes a clear picture of his Church life days. As the name suggests, the subject here is the transmutation and experiences of the Christian Church.
4. A Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
![A Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant](https://feedhour.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design-53-min_11zon.jpg)
This profound work changed the landscape of philosophy forever by tearing down the battlements of enemies, empiricism & rationalism, realism & idealism, and showing that a peaceful coexistence is possible. The first Critique mainly focuses on self-reflection and self-understanding.
5. Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
![Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau](https://feedhour.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design-54-min_11zon.jpg)
“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains. Those who think themselves the masters of others are indeed greater slaves than they.” This book starts with this quote. It talks about the enlightenment, the development of republicanism, and the French Revolution.
6. Ethics by Benedictus de Spinoza
![Ethics by Benedictus de Spinoza](https://feedhour.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design-55-min_11zon.jpg)
It starts from certain fundamental premises and moves from one logic to another. Spinoza explains the truth about God, nature, and us human beings. Part 1 to Part 3 consist of metaphysics, physics, anthropology, and psychology. He also goes on to talk about society’s principles, religion, and how to live a good life.
7. Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
![Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle](https://feedhour.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design-56-min_11zon.jpg)
This is considered to be his best book on ethics, and the science of the good for human life. “Happiness then is found to be something perfect and self-sufficient, being the end to which our actions are directed,” as quoted in Nicomachean Ethics. He identifies two main virtues which are: the virtue of character and the virtue of thought.
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What are the 7 most famous philosophers?
The 7 most famous philosophers of all time are:
1. Aristotle (384–322 BC)
Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher and also a polymath who made some very important contributions to subjects like physics, biology, psychology, zoology, mathematics, metaphysics, ethics, logic, criticism, rhetoric, and politics. He studied under Plato for twenty years but his theories contradicted that of Plato. He is the founder of a school called Lyceum in Athens, Greece.
2. Plato (428–347 BC)
One of the most important philosophers of all time, Plato is considered to be an influential figure in entire history. He was the student of Socrates and the founder of the Academy in Greece. He mainly made contributions to metaphysics, ethics, and cosmology. He wrote 25 philosophical texts. He also came to be known as the “maker of mathematicians” for teaching science and mathematics at his Academy.
3. Osho (1931-1990)
Initially named Rajneesh, he was an Indian godman, a spiritual guru, and a teacher. He developed 600+ techniques of meditation. He incorporated catharsis into meditation. He was selected as one of the ten people who changed India’s destiny. Osho contributed to the science behind inner transformation and designed OSHO Active Meditations. He is also the founder of the Rajneesh movement.
4. Chanakya (375-283 BC)
Chanakya, born as a Brahmin, was a Hindu philosopher, teacher, polymath, economist, author, and strategist. He helped Chandragupta, who was the first Mauryan Empire by being his advisor and also had a major role in the establishment of the Maurya Empire. He wrote the classic Artha-Shastra which translates as the Science of Material Gain which contains everything about property, economics, and success.
5. Socrates (470–399 BC)
He is considered to be the father of Western Philosophy. He was an ancient Greek philosopher who explored Ethics and believed in moral values. He was not at all materialistic and is said to have been poor yet he taught for free on the streets! He does not have any philosophy books of his own, but his student Plato has written about him. Xenophon and Aristotle also inquired about knowledge from Socrates.
6. Kant (1724–1804)
Immanuel Kant is one of the most prominent philosophers in the history of Western philosophy. He was a German philosopher and made major contributions to metaphysics, aesthetics, epistemology, and ethics. The two major movements that had a big impact on him were Empiricism and Rationalism. His main idea of critical philosophy is Human autonomy.
7. Baruch Spinoza (1632- 1677)
Benedictus de Spinoza, a Dutch philosopher, was best known for his contribution to ethics, metaphysics, political philosophy, and epistemology. He focused mainly on the self, God, the world, and human beings. He taught people how to attain true happiness. He is sometimes referred to as a “prophet” or “prince” for equating God with the materialistic universe.
Conclusion
The best platform where you can buy and read hundreds of philosophy books is Legimi as recommended by Feedhour. You can visit the official site to shop for the same. You can read ebooks on the Legimi application which is available for both android and ios software phones. You may also listen to the ebooks in the form of audio by buying their subscription. All the books mentioned above are the best books for the one who is interested in philosophy, this will help the reader to lead a peaceful life.