Guide for Secondary Literature on Philosophy

[RamistThomist]

Earlier I had done a list on which basic philosophy texts to read. Here I should step back and look at the best secondary literature on the topic. On one hand, some philosophers like Plato need no interpreters. His writing is too good. Others, like Hegel and Kant, demand interpreters. The writing is not so good. Even worse, men like Locke and Hume are not always using terms the way you think they are.

Learning the Language

101 Key Terms in Philosophy and their use for Theology. Eds. Clark and Smith. Covers theological prolegomena, some analytic philosophy, and some hippie continental nonsense.

Using the Tools

Baggini, Julian. The Philosopher’s Toolkit. Excellent job explaining the methodology in philosophy. Written from a secular standpoint.

History of Philosophy

Frame, John. History of Western Philosophy. Okay. Frame’s strength is in linguistic analysis. Good sections on Kant and Hegel. Misreads other thinkers, though.

Russell, Bertrand. A History of Western Philosophy. Once you get over how impressed Russell is with himself, this is a handy tool. Very well-written.

Scruton, Roger. A Short History of Modern Philosophy. A sheer joy to read. Writing style surpasses Russell’s.

Tarnas, Richard. Passion of the Western Mind.

Philosophy of Religion

Thiselton, Anthony. Approaching Philosophy of Religion. Superb writing. Leans analytical with discussions on Wittgenstein.

Rowe, William. Philosophy of Religion. Rowe is an atheist but a competent philosopher. This isn’t his best work, though.

Epistemology

Meek, Esther Lightcap. A Little Manual for Knowing. Wonderful account of how we know. Almost has a healing effect on the mind.

Wood, W. Jay. Epistemology. Echoes some of Plantinga’s moves.

Ethics

Holmes, Arthur. Ethics. Great discussion of utilitarianism.

Geisler, Norman. Ethics: Issues and Options. Probably the best modern systematic treatment of ethics. Presents his “graded absolutism.”

Metaphysics

Hasker, William. Metaphysics. In the same series as Wood and Holmes. Hasker is an open theist, but even then he presents a very weak defense of free will.

Chisolm, Roderick. On Metaphysics. Difficult at times but a number of important discussions.

Engaging the World

Moreland, J. P. Love Your God with All Your Mind. Probably the most important philosophy text I have ever read.

Moreland, J. P. Kingdom Triangle. Similar effect as the above one. Updates JP’s project to include virtue ethics and the Spirit’s power.

Russell, Bertrand. Problems of Philosophy. Important discussions on knowledge by acquaintance and matter.

 

[No Other Name]

I am currently in Feinberg's Ethics for a Brave New World (from last Crossway super-sale haul). Densely packed and super readable for really any level of reader.

 

[RamistThomist]

I am currently in Feinberg's Ethics for a Brave New World (from last Crossway super-sale haul). Densely packed and super readable for really any level of reader.

When I took ethics under Harold OJ Brown, that was the main text. It's good.

 

[Ulster Fry]

Jacob, have you read Russell's The Problems of Philosophy? I would add it to your list. Almost finished (it's a short book) and it's one of the most important philosophy texts I've read yet.

 

[RamistThomist]

Jacob, have you read Russell's The Problems of Philosophy? I would add it to your list. Almost finished (it's a short book) and it's one of the most important philosophy texts I've read yet.

I have, and I agree. I'll add it. I didn't at first because it is somewhat technical for the lay reader, but you're right. It is too important to ignore.

 

[inkling]

Learning the Language

Couple of thoughts along the beginner lines:

Philosophy: A Student's Guide, David K. Naugle - I still use this little book as a quick reference. Interesting (late) author...double doctorate

Wisdom of the West, Bertrand Russell - an abbreviated version of his larger work. Enjoyable read.

Have you read Reinhold Niebuhr?

Thank you for the great reference!