From the ancient wisdom of Aristotle to the modern complexities of Derrida, the realm of philosophy has shaped human thought for centuries, challenging assumptions and probing the depths of existence.
In this exploration of the best philosophy books, we delve into the philosophical landmarks that have ignited intellectual debates, reshaped societies and inspired generations.
Guided by the quest for understanding the human condition, these works have transcended time and culture to offer insights that remain as relevant today as they were when first penned.
Taking the time to study and learn from them can provide valuable insights, which readers may feel they can apply to daily life. We've listed our top picks below, with a range of time periods, subject matters and ideas.
We've also made sure to list each philosopher's contemporaries, influences or inspirations, to help you discover further.
Ludwig Wittgenstein - Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus
Ludwig Wittgenstein was an Austrian philosopher who played a central role in the development of 20th-century analytic philosophy. His writings were diverse and far-reaching, continuing to influence debates on logic, language and culture today.
There are generally considered to be two stages of Wittgenstein's thought: an early and later period. Early Wittgenstein is often seen as encapsulated in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.
The goal was to create a logical framework that could capture the structure of language and thought. Wittgenstein stresses the importance of understanding the boundaries of language to address metaphysical questions.
Read if: You're interested in logic and language
Also read: Bertrand Russell, G.E. Moore, Willard Van Orman Quine
Plato – The Republic
One of the most influential figures in the history of philosophy, Plato was born in Athens during the classical period of Ancient Greece.
Unlike the works of many of his contemporaries, nearly the entirety of his writings has survived for over two thousand years since his death. His work is fundamental to the development of Western philosophy and has influenced early Christian and modern philosophers. Have you ever wondered why we use the word “platonic”?
The Republic is Plato’s best-known work, written as a Socratic Dialogue, or a conversation between two or more individuals, allowing for different arguments, questions and answers to unfold. Among these are a series of allegories, including Plato’s famous Cave allegory, which helps explain the importance of education and reality.
If you're seeking insights into questions about justice, virtue and harmony, look no further than Plato’s magnum opus.
Read if: You're interested in ethics, political philosophy and the nature of justice.
Also read: Aristotle, Socrates, Xenophon
Karl Marx – Das Kapital
One of the most scrutinised, debated and endlessly revisited books of the last two centuries, Das Kapital or Capital is the culmination of Karl Marx’s life's work—an analysis of capitalism.
Influenced by Hegel, Marx provides a critique of classical political economists like Adam Smith and David Ricardo, who argue that capitalism results in a harmonious, beneficial society. Das Kapital consists of three volumes, each guiding the reader through what Marx perceives as the inner workings of the capitalist system.
It's not for the faint of heart, with the English translation usually exceeding one thousand pages. However, for those who embrace a challenge to pre-existing ideas about the world's structure and economics, Das Kapital is must-read.
Read if: You're interested in economics, social structures and the dynamics of capitalism.
Also read: Friedrich Engels, Max Weber, Michael Heinrich, Antonio Gramsci
Michel Foucault – Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison
Michel Foucault was a French philosopher who was active from the 1950s until his death in 1984. Throughout his life, he made significant contributions to philosophy and cultural analysis, which continue to influence fields such as sexuality, gender, psychology and ideas of power.
Discipline and Punish was his ninth major work, published in 1975. It offers a historical and theoretical exploration of how punishment, surveillance and control have evolved in modern societies.
Foucault examines the emergence of prisons, disciplinary mechanisms to shape behaviour and introduces his theory of the "Panopticon," a tower designed to enable constant surveillance of prisoners without their knowledge of when they are being observed.
Read if: You're interested in power dynamics, institutions, surveillance and the evolution of punishment.
Also read: Pierre Bourdieu, Gilles Deleuze, Edward Said, Lacques Lacan
Simone de Beauvoir – The Second Sex
Simone de Beauvoir, another French philosopher, was renowned for her contributions to philosophy and feminist theory during the 20th century. The Second Sex, published in 1949, stands as a pivotal work in feminist literature.
De Beauvoir traces the historical development of women's roles and contends that societal structures and norms have contributed to their subordination, relegating them to domestic and maternal roles. The central concept is "The Other," a framework to comprehend how women's positioning has been defined in relation to men.
For those intrigued by gender or feminist philosophy, The Second Sex is an essential and foundational read.
Read if: You're interested in feminist theory, social constructs and gender roles.
Also read: Jean-Paul Sartre, Judith Butler, Luce Irigaray, Bell Hooks
Immanuel Kant - Critique of Pure Reason
Immanuel Kant's writings from the 18th century establish him as a central figure in modern philosophy.
The crux of his life's work, as present in the Critique of Pure Reason, is human autonomy. He contends that our understanding serves as the foundation for the laws that structure our experiences.
Kant introduces the notion that our minds possess inherent "categories" that aid us in comprehending the world. However, these categories also impose limitations on our true understanding of things as they exist in themselves, which he terms "noumenon."
This concept forms a key element of Critique of Pure Reason, shaping Kant's idea of "transcendental idealism."
Read if: You're interested in metaphysics, epistemology and the limits of human knowledge.
Also read: Hegel, Schopenhauer, Hannah Arendt
Aristotle – Nicomachean Ethics
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, along with Plato, is considered one of the most influential thinkers in history. Aristotle was remarkably prolific, producing an extensive body of work, with estimates suggesting he wrote as many as two hundred treatises—formal, systematic written discourses.
Aristotle's best-known work on ethics is Nicomachean Ethics. This text is organised into ten books, each focusing on various facets of ethics and virtue, including Justice, Friendship, Moral Responsibility and Virtuous Action.
Although estimated to have been written around 350 BCE, Nicomachean Ethics remains pertinent to contemporary discussions about the nature of a good and meaningful life, showcasing its enduring relevance.
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Read if: You're interested in ethics and moral philosophy.
Also read: Plato, Thomas Aquinas, Epicurus
Jacques Derrida – Of Grammatology
Jacques Derrida's writings played a crucial role in challenging conventional notions of language, meaning and reality.
Alongside fellow thinkers, he pioneered the concept of deconstruction—an innovative approach to understanding the relationship between a text and its meaning. Derrida characterised deconstruction as a departure from certain ideas in Plato's philosophy.
Of Grammatology, published in 1967, is a work where Derrida questions established assumptions about writing and speech.
He introduces the concept of "difference" to illustrate how meaning is deferred in language, thereby destabilising the stability of meaning itself. The book is a thought-provoking exploration of language's intricacies and our perspectives on the world.
Read if: You're interested in language and philosophy
Also read: Jean Baudrillard, Jacques Lacan, Ferdinand Saussure
Lao Tzu - Tao Te Ching
Tao Te Ching is a foundational work of Taoism attributed to Lao Tzu, a semi-legendary ancient Chinese philosopher, often considered more of a symbolic figure than an actual historical person.
Estimated to have been written around 400 BC, Tao Te Ching comprises concise chapters that delve into the concept of the Tao, often translated as "the Way." The text offers contemplations and reflections on leading a life that embraces harmony and balance.
Presented in a poetic style, the meaning of the book is frequently subject to reader interpretation. Its insights on nature and the art of harmonious living continue to resonate with individuals in search of guidance.
It holds significance as a key text in the realm of world literature, providing valuable insights into Chinese thought and philosophy.
Read if: You want to learn about introspection and spirituality.
Also read: Confucius, Mozi, Zhuangzi
Friedrich Nietzsche - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher active in the late 1800s, explored extensive and influential ideas on topics like life without God, nihilism and existentialism.
Thus Spoke Zarathustra, published from 1883 to 1885, conveys Nietzsche's ideas through the character Zarathustra, who engages in speeches and dialogues. The book introduces key concepts related to individualism, morality and the necessity for personal transformation.
A complex work, Thus Spoke Zarathustra is open to various interpretations, yet many readers have found it to trigger personal introspection and reflection, making it a thought-provoking piece.
Read if: You want existential themes and ideas about self discovery.
Also read: Arthur Schopenhauer, Martin Heidegger, Albert Camus
Marcus Aurelius – Meditations
Stoicism has gained popularity as a philosophy, attracting many to explore its teachings. A great entry point is the writings of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, with his most famous work being Meditations.
Meditations provides insights into ethical principles, self-discipline and the pursuit of a virtuous life. The book's focus on self-improvement renders it invaluable for those aiming to bolster their mental well-being and find greater meaning in life.
For those interested in Stoicism, this book offers practical wisdom, guiding readers on navigating challenges, managing emotions and fostering inner resilience. Aspiring stoics should consider it a source of practical guidance that can contribute to their personal growth and well-being.
Read if: You're interested in Stoic philosophy, self-improvement and mental resilience.
Also read: Epictetus, Seneca the Younger, Epictetus
Frantz Fanon – The Wretched of the Earth
The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon is a ground-breaking work that delves into the psychological, social and political consequences of colonialism and decolonisation.
Leveraging his background as a psychiatrist and activist, Fanon exposes the dehumanising consequences of colonial oppression on the mental and identity facets of colonised individuals.
He advocates for a transformative decolonisation that transcends mere political liberation, aiming to address the psychological scars left behind.
Readers are encouraged to explore this book for its examination of the interplay between psychology and colonialism, as well as its urgent call to challenge systemic injustice.
Read if: You want an essential book on understanding colonialism and racism.
Also read: Aimé Césaire, W.E.B. Du Bois, Achille Mbembe, Stuart Hall, Sylvia Wynter