Q&A: Studying Modern Philosophy
Studying Modern Philosophy
Question
Hello Rabbi.
A. Thank God, I’ve started systematically studying Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason (the Yirmiyahu Yovel edition) after it sat on my shelf for two years. How do you recommend studying it straight through? Or should I focus on certain central sections? And are there other books by Kant that are worth studying after Critique of Pure Reason?
B. Are there modern philosophers you recommend studying in addition to Kant?
Thank you
Answer
Hello.
You’ve taken on quite a task. Very few professional philosophers have finished that book (I haven’t either). I’m not familiar with Yovel’s edition, only the one by Rothenstreich and Bergmann, and there it’s plainly impossible.
In general, I strongly recommend first reading about Kant’s thought and only then approaching the book itself. That will make things easier, and might even make it unnecessary. The important question here is: what is the added value of reading the original? If you’re specializing in Kant, then of course there’s great value in it. But if you’re interested in philosophy, and what matters to you is the arguments rather than exactly what Kant said and deciding between different interpretations, then in my opinion it’s less important. All of Kant’s books are important, but regarding all of them I’d say what I wrote above. There are shorter works like Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals that are easier. But my point applies to all his books.
In general, I don’t have recommendations, because it depends on each person’s taste and inclinations. I think articles in analytic philosophy are the most important material for developing philosophical skill. Classical works are more important for broadening knowledge than for improving skill.
Discussion on Answer
No. Analytic philosophy began at the start of the twentieth century (or perhaps with Frege). There are masses of writers, and it’s impossible to spell them all out. You can browse around online and get an impression.
When you write “articles in analytic philosophy,” do you mean Kant, or other thinkers as well?