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  • KRISHNA TEJASWI SRIMATHKILAMBI

10 great works of philosophy and why you should read them.


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It is very difficult to say which are the top 10 philosophy books in the world, as opinions on the best philosophy books may vary depending on the reader's interests and background. However, some classic and influential philosophy books that are widely considered to be among the best include:

  1. "The Republic" by Plato: This book is considered one of the most important works of political philosophy, and it deals with questions about justice, the nature of the ideal state, and the nature of the human soul.

  2. "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius: This book is a series of personal writings by the Roman emperor, and it deals with Stoic philosophy and the practice of living a virtuous life.

  3. "Nicomachean Ethics" by Aristotle: This book is considered one of the most important works of ethical theory, and it deals with questions about the nature of happiness, the virtues, and the good life.

  4. "Critique of Pure Reason" by Immanuel Kant: This book is considered one of the most important works of epistemology, and it deals with questions about the limits of human knowledge and the nature of experience.

  5. "Being and Time" by Martin Heidegger: This book is considered one of the most important works of existentialism, and it deals with questions about the nature of human existence and the meaning of life.

  6. "The Social Contract" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau: This book is considered one of the most important works of political philosophy, and it deals with questions about the nature of the state, the origin of society, and the relationship between the individual and the community.

  7. "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" by Friedrich Nietzsche: This book is considered one of the most important works of Nietzschean philosophy, and it deals with questions about the nature of morality, the will to power, and the concept of the "superman."

  8. "The Phenomenology of Spirit" by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: This book is considered one of the most important works of German Idealism, and it deals with questions about the nature of consciousness and the relationship between the individual and the world.

  9. "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir: This book is considered one of the most important works of feminist philosophy, and it deals with questions about the nature of gender, the social construction of femininity, and the oppression of women.

  10. "The Gay Science" by Friedrich Nietzsche: This book is considered one of the most important works of Nietzschean philosophy, and it deals with questions about the nature of truth, the will to power, and the concept of the eternal recurrence.

These books are considered classics and have been widely read and studied by philosophers, scholars, and general readers. They have influenced the development of philosophy, as well as other fields of study, and continue to be relevant today. They offer rich and complex ideas that challenge readers to think deeply about some of the most fundamental questions of human existence, and they continue to inspire new generations of philosophers and thinkers.


Philosophy books can help us understand the world and our place in it. Philosophy deals with some of the most fundamental questions of human existence, such as the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the nature of morality. Reading philosophy books can give us a deeper understanding of these questions and can help us make sense of our own experiences and the world around us. They can help us develop critical thinking skills. Philosophy books often present complex and nuanced arguments, and reading them can help us learn how to analyze and evaluate these arguments. This can be useful not only in philosophy but in other areas of our lives, such as in our professional and personal lives. They can expose us to different perspectives and ways of thinking. Philosophy is a diverse field, and reading philosophy books from different periods and cultures can give us a broader understanding of the human experience. This can help us appreciate the richness and complexity of human thought, and can also help us become more tolerant and open-minded. They can be a source of inspiration and personal growth. Many philosophy books offer new ways of looking at the world and ourselves, and can inspire us to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. They can help us to question our assumptions and beliefs and can challenge us to think more deeply about our values, priorities, and goals.


In summary, reading philosophy books can be beneficial because they can help us understand the world and our place in it, can help us develop critical thinking skills, expose us to different perspectives and ways of thinking, and can be a source of inspiration and personal growth.

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