Introduction to Western Philosophy - A Thinking Journey Facing Life's Fundamental Questions
Western philosophical wisdom from ancient Greece to modern times shows us a reliable path for thinking deeply about ourselves and the world.
What is Western Philosophy
Western philosophy is an intellectual tradition that began in ancient Greece about 2,500 years ago and has tackled fundamental questions about human existence, knowledge, morality, and truth. The lineage of thought from Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle through medieval scholastic philosophy, modern Descartes and Kant, and to Nietzsche forms the foundation of our modern values and worldview.
What Philosophy Questions
Philosophy thoroughly explores questions everyone has thought about at least once, such as "why do we live," "what is truth," and "what is good." Unlike daily life where we tend to leave these questions vague, philosophy is characterized by pursuing clear answers through logic and dialogue.
Why Study Philosophy Now
In modern society overflowing with information, the importance of thinking deeply and having your own criteria for judgment is increasing. By studying philosophy, you can cultivate the ability to see through essence without being misled by superficial information. Also, philosophical thinking is a great help as a common language for dialogue with people of different values.
Recommended Books
The books introduced here are optimal as first steps into the world of Western philosophy. They allow gradual deepening of learning from introductory books to classical masterpieces.
The Strongest Introduction to Philosophy
This book is a philosophy introduction that presents the thoughts of 31 philosophers from Socrates to Sartre in a heated confrontational format like martial arts. Written in a conversational and friendly style avoiding difficult philosophical terms, even those new to philosophy can understand essential questions while enjoying themselves. By organizing the philosophers' thoughts along four themes - truth, state, god, and existence - you can efficiently grasp the overall picture of Western philosophy.
- Philosophy is not an abstruse discipline but a serious challenge to questions everyone has
- Each philosopher created new ideas trying to overcome previous thought
- Absolute truth does not exist; there is value in the act of continuing to question itself
- By learning philosophy, you become aware of your own thinking framework and can think more freely
The Apology of Socrates / Crito
This book is a classic masterpiece that records Socrates' defense at trial after receiving a death sentence and his final dialogues in prison. It vividly depicts why Socrates, known for 'knowing that he knows nothing,' chose death without compromising his beliefs. Despite being written 2,500 years ago, it poses profound questions to modern readers about integrity toward truth, the meaning of justice, and the essence of living well.
- The unexamined life is not worth living
- True wisdom is knowing that you know nothing
- Committing injustice is worse than suffering injustice
- Fearing death is assuming you know what you do not know
Discourse on the Method
This book is a record of Descartes, the father of modern philosophy, thinking in pursuit of the foundation of certain knowledge. It explains in an accessible autobiographical format the process leading to the famous proposition 'I think, therefore I am.' The method of doubting all preconceptions and rebuilding knowledge only on certain foundations is still highly regarded today as a model of logical thinking.
- To obtain certain knowledge, one must first doubt everything
- The existence of the doubting self cannot be doubted
- Complex problems should be divided into small parts and considered in order
- By properly guiding reason, anyone can reach the truth
Thus Spoke Zarathustra (Volume 1)
This book is Nietzsche's masterpiece, a philosophical work that speaks in poetic prose about the declaration that 'God is dead' and the concept of the 'Ubermensch.' In a narrative format where the sage Zarathustra descends from the mountain to preach new values to people, it shows a way to overcome the nihilism of modern society. This work questions traditional moral and religious values and advocates the importance of creating new meaning through one's own power.
- After the collapse of existing value systems, humans must create meaning for themselves
- The Ubermensch is the ideal image of a creative human who continuously overcomes the self
- The concept of eternal recurrence demands that we live by affirming this present moment
- The value of life lies not in avoiding difficulties but in growing through them
ツァラトゥストラはこう言った 上 (岩波文庫 青 639-2)
ニーチェ, Friedrich Nietzsche, 氷上 英廣 / 岩波書店 / 1967-04-16
晩年のニーチェ(一八四四―一九〇〇)がその根本思想を体系的に...
Summary
Studying Western philosophy is touching the crystallization of thinking accumulated by predecessors. The insights gained through these books will become reliable guidelines in daily judgments and life choices. Start with introductory books and challenge the original texts of philosophers who interest you, and your own philosophical thinking will be cultivated.