7 Best Philosophy Books of All Time

No matter what topic or issue it is, you will always come across several arguments, views, suggestions and criticism when it is put under a discourse. Each one of us sees the world in their own way and that’s why our perspectives and views often differ. Philosophy essentially focuses on the questions of our existence as well as aims to explore the relationship between the reason and the mind. It is an intensified field of study that peruses thoughts, ideas and opinions. If you have been exploring the best reads for this intellectually stimulating genre, then here is a blog that brings the top Philosophy books of the all-time that you must add to your reading list!

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Apology of Socrates by Plato

If you have found the ideas brought forward by Socrates to be mind-blowing and stimulating, then one of the best philosophy books for you is the Apology of Socrates by Plato which delves deeper into Socrates’ speech at his trial from the point of view of an eyewitness. He further explores the charges Socrates was accused with though it has been quite debated whether the arguments presented by Socrates were as accurate as Plato explained them to be. For those curious about this renowned trial of Socrates, this is a must-read to discover Plato’s perspective as well as know more about how this event actually took place.

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Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle has described the concept of what a good life should be like as well as what can be done to actualise it far-fetched notion. Amongst Aristotle’s best-known work on ethics as well as one of the famed philosophy books of all time, the text also provides a wide range of virtues which a human being needs to live a good life. According to Aristotle, only human beings are given the power of intellect and hence our happiness remains in the “activity of soul” according to reason. 

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The Discourse on Method by Descartes

Another renowned mention in our list of best philosophy books, “The discourse on method” aims to emphasise on the notion of “I think before I am”. Descartes has brought a new method of thought through this book and it combines objective ideas of mathematics with the intuitiveness of our senses. As a true philosopher, Descartes doubts the things he sees or experiences through his physical senses but tells us to only trust our mental intuition and senses about the world.

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Candide or Optimism by Voltaire

Candide or Optimism by Voltaire is amongst the recommended reads under the long list of Philosophy books that anyone can easily comprehend. It is often mistook for focusing on values of religion versus fanaticism but the main aim of the book is to teach the readers to cultivate their own garden of happiness. The author has said that happiness can be found everywhere, it comes from within and one does not need to find a particular reason to find it. 

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Beyond Good and Evil by Nietzsche

Beyond Good and Evil by Nietzsche brings a discourse on how the opposite of good is actually not evil but it is actually a different form of expression associated with our basic underlying impulses. It is one of the popular philosophy books for beginners and Nietzsche emphasis on how philosophers have formulated a binary system which does not correspond to any critical sense. Further, he talks about philosophy in a way that you will find it original, imaginative and self-assertive. 

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Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

As one of the fictional texts that also turned out amongst prominent philosophy books, Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky addresses the concepts of freedom, guilt and human nature. It elucidates the moral dilemmas and mental anguish of a young man who plans to a pawnbroker. From the uniquely created characters to an engaging plots, it explore some of the crucial philosophical notions of guilt, crime, redemption, amongst others as well as delves deeper into the Freudian theory.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

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The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Kundera is one of the greatest Philosophy books that deals with the prominent characters of human history as well as facilitates a discourse on communism. It supports the notion of living a free life on your own terms. Further, it totally opposes the concept of fate and states that human existence is precarious.

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Hence, there are a plethora of philosophy books and we have only covered the top ones that are completely phenomenal! If you are inclined towards pursuing a degree in Philosophy and book an e-meeting with our experts at Leverage Edu and we will help you find a suitable course and university that fits your interests and aspirations and equips you with the essential knowledge to pursue a rewarding career in this field!