Q&A: Philosophy for Beginners and Philosophy Books Online
Philosophy for Beginners and Philosophy Books Online
Question
Hello Rabbi,
A. Reading the wonderful book The First Existent sparked in me a desire to understand a bit of philosophy, which for me is almost like Turkish. Could the Rabbi recommend how to begin?
B. Another question—not necessarily for the Rabbi but for any of the readers: is it possible, and if so where, to read foundational books of modern philosophy online for free (say, Kant, etc.)?
C. And since I’m already writing here, one more small question: does the Rabbi know anything about the theory of Christopher Langan, one of the most brilliant people in the world, who according to his Wikipedia entry https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%9B%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%A1%D7%98%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%A8_%D7%9C%D7%A0%D7%92%D7%9F developed some theory that “proves the existence of God on a rational and mathematical basis.”
Thanks for the wonderful books and for all the articles
Answer
Hello,
A. I’ve already been asked more than once how to study philosophy. I don’t know how to answer that. You need to start reading introductory books and then roll on according to your areas of interest and inclinations.
B. I don’t know. In libraries.
C. I’m not familiar with it.
Discussion on Answer
Also, the books of Samuel Hugo Bergman.
By the way, regarding Langan. See what he wrote:
“I believe in the theory of evolution, but I also believe in the allegorical truth of the creation account. In other words, I believe that evolution, including the principle of natural selection, is one of the tools used by God to create humanity. Humanity is then a partner in the creation of the universe itself, so we have a closed loop. I believe there is a level at which science and religious metaphor mutually correspond.”
If I may, I’d recommend studying philosophy through the books of the Open University. They’re written clearly and are accessible to everyone.