8 Best Beginner Philosophy Books – Books to read in 2023

Philosophy is one of the best ways to grow your mind and gain peace over chaos. It brings clarity to various aspects of life. But the subject is like an ocean. Too deep and complex. Therefore beginner philosophy books can be highly effective in achieving your goals. Get these books for a better money mindset. 

Some of the beginner books that you can try are our Republic by Plato, The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained, Man’s search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

Contents

List of Best Beginner Philosophy Books

These books are specially made for readers who need easy access to philosophy. Simple language addressing complex aspects of life. The meaning of life to the ultimate truth of grief and love.

Take a peek at eight books to gain clarity over philosophy. These books make you rethink various perceptions and principles.

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Man’s search for meaning by Viktor Frankl

A survivor of the Holocaust and a psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl. He writes about his past sufferings in his memoir. He believes that a man needs a greater purpose to lead his life. But the journey involves suffering, which is unavoidable.

His experience of brutality in Nazi concentration made him think deeply. One who can find meaning can gain the strength to move on. 

mans search for meaning by victor frankl

Meaning and purpose help people to cope and survive. It is one of the best introductory philosophy books.

This book contains grief and post-traumatic experiences. It helps to find the strength to survive.

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Republic by Plato

Republic is evolving throughout the history of western philosophy. If you need an intro to the philosophy of books, read this. The Republic encompasses a wide range of sociopolitical, economic, and gender ideologies. It has been an academically acclaimed book.

republic by plato

It revolves around many aspects like metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of education. Greek is the original language of the Republic.

The chief premise is divided into parts- What is justice? And why should it be just? The various arguments, detailed descriptions, and anecdotes that make it authentic. It had a significant impact on the idealogy of the world’s democracy. 

Even though philosophy can be dull and hard to understand.

This book is quite interesting to read. Great storytelling makes this book an exciting read

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The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained

One of the best beginner philosophy books. It is easily available in the offline and online markets. The book simply puts complex ideologies into more simple terms. The motive behind this idea is to make philosophy accessible to a larger audience.

It’s very crisp and handy. The author did detailed work through pointers. This reduces overwhelmedness while reading. 

the philosophy book big ideas simply explained

It counters questions related to an existential crisis and ethical thinking. The book also revolves around the truth about good and bad.

Massive information in simple language and addressing philosophical questions. I recommend this book as it is easy to follow and affordable. 

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Philosophy 101 (An Essential Primer on the History of Thought)

An excellent one for people looking for easy philosophy books. The author smartly puts all his knowledge into simpler language. He even uses bullet points to present his thesis on philosophy.

Strong arguments get broken into easy points that are easy to comprehend. One of the most accessible philosophy books you can get.

The author’s motive is to put bigger ideas into simple terms. Philosophy can be difficult to understand. Also, understanding history can be more difficult. 

philosophy 101 an essential primer on the history of thought

But this is an ultimate book to learn about philosophy effortlessly. It provides an intro to history in an uncomplicated way. The book is an excellent introduction to philosophical thinking. Be hooked on the wonders of philosophy.

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Beginner Philosophy Books: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

If you are looking for beginner philosophy books, this can do wonders. The best ones improve your awareness of yourself. This book will help you do that. As the name suggests, meditation is for inner peace and a healthy mind.

Reading through various chapters, you will understand the virtues of Stoicism. A type of philosophy that focuses on discarding unhealthy feelings. It makes you calm and overcomes reflexive reactions. It teaches you about discipline and self-control. 

meditation by marcus aurelius

A book for your personal growth and unexplored feeling. A must-read for people who seek to focus on administering their own life. 

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Mortal Questions by Thomas Nagel

Nagel efficiently put his ideas of philosophy in this book. He presents it as the fundamental effect of philosophy on human beings. These books also promote curiosity and satisfy them with effective material.

It’s based on the idea of philosophy accessible to general people relating to modern times. Topics like the meaning of death, uncertainty, and life’s greater purpose are explained with arguments. I often find myself perplexed by the idea of victimizing myself and being self-sufficient. If you also struggle with these thoughts, then this book will help you. 

mortal questions by thomas nagel

A contemporary approach to philosophy makes the book captivating for the young generation. Count it is as one of the most exciting books on the philosophy of life

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What We Owe to Each Other by T.M. Scanlon

This novel will get to know various aspects of ethical issues. It attempts to answer the complexity of what is right and wrong. The difference between absolute good and evil. What kind of approach should one take to answer these questions?

These topics are susceptible, and clarity can make one’s life easier. Living in a society with certain rules can be challenging to accept at some point in your life. So why do we have to go with the rules? What is the significance of such regulations? Why do you take actions that should help others rather than hurt them?

what do we owe each other by t.m. scanlon

Some of these questions are so profoundly inherited that we tend to ignore them.

But answering such questions will improve self-awareness. A worthwhile read for starter philosophy books. Beginner philosophy books such as this one will add value to your life. 

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All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks

Philosophy includes one of the most deeply rooted feelings of LOVE. This book revolves around this aspect of life. If you are looking for stability and clarity over the complex feeling of love, then this is it.

It talks about the inner connectedness of human beings. The idea that love and reality are almost contradictory is a matter of discussion.

all about love new versions by bell hooks

The book makes you rethink outdated ways of viewing the concept of love.

It encourages and discusses self-love in-depth. What do you mean by self-love? What is its significance? How to put yourself before others? The author uses her own stories to re-explore love.

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FAQs 

all about love: new visions by bell hooks

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks, What We Owe to Each Other by T.M. Scanlon and Philosophy 101 (An Essential Primer on the History of Thought). These are a few of the most recommended philosophy books for beginners.

Conclusion

Beginner philosophy books are little gems of wisdom that you can gain quickly. Reading books helps to develop your mind. Therefore, when you read philosophy books, you will better understand your loved ones.

Philosophy is a humungous subject but if you need a starter, go for beginners books. This will address all of the ideologies and concepts you need to know. 

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