Why is it so difficult to write good Philosophy textbooks?

Why is philosophy so difficult?

It is hard because philosophical ideas and arguments themselves are so complex, so subtle and nuanced, and they rely on a web of understanding that reaches back more than two thousand years, past Hume and past Descartes, past Aquinas and Anselm all the way to Plato, Aristotle and Socrates.

Are philosophy books hard to understand?

Reading Philosophy is a difficult task, especially coming to uni with little or no background in the subject. Reading lists can look long and daunting, vocabulary can be confusing and it seems to take ages to understand even the smallest part of a chapter.

What makes a good philosophy book?

We’ve found that the best philosophy books excel in the following criteria:

• Complexity – Philosophy isn’t a subject that you can’t dive into immediately and understand everything. …
• Viewpoint – With philosophy, in particular, the author’s views are more important than in your standard book.

How do you become a philosophy writer?

More advanced students might do well to read Philosophical Writing: An Introduction, by A.P. Martinich. Some final words should be added about proofreading.



SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR WRITING YOUR PHILOSOPHY PAPER

1. Organize carefully. …
2. Use the right words. …
3. Support your claims. …
4. Give credit. …
5. Anticipate objections. …
6. Edit boldly.

Is physics harder than philosophy?

From a difficulty perspective, studying physics is significantly harder than studying something like philosophy. Therefore, if you want to approach both aspects, it’s safe to say that your will need to invest longer time in the study of physics.

Does philosophy make you smarter?

A study of philosophy will help you develop critical thinking skills. It will encourage you to understand the constraints you operate within when you make certain choices or even when you decide which goals you should pursue. You will be able to think intelligently of how you live and why you live that way.

How long does it take to write a philosophy book?

I usually aim at 7 or 8 chapters, and squeeze the initial plan into a couple of pages. It took about 2 years (including a term of sabbatical leave) to produce a complete draft of God, Value, and Nature.

What is the most widely read book on philosophy?

Below, we’ve collected her suggestions—dive into the best philosophy books now.

• The Republic. By Plato. …
• The Prince. By Niccolò Machiavelli. …
• Discourse on Method. By René Descartes. …
• Classics in Chinese Philosophy. By Wade Baskin. …
• The Problems of Philosophy. …
• The Emotions. …
• Great Philosophers Volume One. …
• Great Philosophers Volume Two.

Where should I start my philosophy book?

The Best Philosophy Books for Beginners

• Plato: Five Dialogues by Plato.
• The Emperor’s New Mind by Roger Penrose.
• Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries translated by Bryan W. …
• Meno by Plato.
• Republic by Plato.
• Discourse on Method by Rene Descartes.
• Symposium by Plato.
• The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins.

Is philosophy hard to study?

Readings for philosophy courses are generally not long, but they are difficult and challenging. You cannot expect to go through an assigned reading once and have an adequate grasp of it. Some students seem to thrive on the painstaking study required, while others simply don’t have the patience for it.

What science is the hardest?

The Hardest Science Degrees

1. Chemistry. Chemistry is famous for being one of the hardest subjects ever, so it’s no surprise that a Chemistry degree is fiercely challenging. …
2. Astronomy. …
3. Physics. …
4. Biomedical Science. …
5. Neuroscience. …
6. Molecular Cell Biology. …
7. Mathematics. …
8. Nursing.

What kind of jobs can you get with a degree in philosophy?

Philosophy degree career paths

• Teacher.
• Paralegal.
• Marketing consultant.
• Research consultant.
• Data analyst.
• Professor.
• Lawyer.
• Health services administrator.

Is philosophy a useless degree?

Picking philosophy as a major may not be the best option for many. But for a student who understands and has an interest in the subject, philosophy is not a useless major. In fact, it is a respectable academic subject, allowing you to expand intellectually and choose from a wide range of careers in the job market.

Do philosophers still exist?

It can be easy to think that all the good ideas have already been thought; after all, philosophy have been going on for more than 2500 years. But that isn’t true! There are still some genius philosophers out there, of course.

Is a degree in philosophy worth it?

So the average person who graduates with this degree can expect to earn around 48 000 a year starting out and 89 000 in mid-career. Pay you can compare that to a high and a low paying degree.

What are the most useless degrees?

20 Most Useless Degrees

1. Advertising. If you’re an advertising major, you may hope to get into digital marketing, e-commerce, or sports marketing. …
2. Anthropology And Archeology. …
3. Art history. …
4. Communications. …
5. Computer Science. …
6. Creative Writing. …
7. Criminal Justice. …
8. Culinary arts.

Do philosophy majors make any money?

While the starting salary is near the middle of all majors, the average mid-career salary of philosophy majors quickly rises to $81,200.00, outperforming Finance, International Relations, Marketing, Business Management, Communications, Nursing, Biology, Health Care Administration, and many others.

Can you make money as a philosopher?

People with liberal arts degrees in disciplines like philosophy go on to do all sorts of jobs; most don’t just sit around and philosophize in coffee shops or even in classrooms. According to PayScale.com, annual wages for people with B.A.s in philosophy range from $37,000 to $83,000.

What do philosophers do for a living?

Most philosophers make their livings as college professors (see Professor), but there aren’t many full-time teaching positions in philosophy, and philosophers do not have outside employment opportunities the way engineers or economists do.

Are philosophers rich?

Many famous philosophers were either rich themselves or enjoyed the support of wealthy patrons. Socrates did not come from a wealthy family—his father was a stonemason and his mother a midwife—but he managed to survive, with the help of rich Athenians and other supporters.

How much do philosophers read?

It generally takes me a week or so to read an entire academic philosophy book. If I’m developing a new course, I’ll try to read six or seven pieces for every one I assign (exclusive of essays I know I want students to read.) Some philosophers, like David Chalmers, read about 17books a day.

How do you read like a philosopher?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Do the assigned reading. The philosophical texts simply are the content of the course; if you do not read, you will not learn. …
2. Consider the context. …
3. Take your time. …
4. Spot crucial passages. …
5. Identify central theses. …
6. Locate supportive arguments. …
7. Assess the arguments. …
8. Look for connections.

Related posts:

A question about taxonomy terms’ usage? Is Dunn/Belnap’s 4-valued system a product system (as a many valued logic)? How is Descartes Sure of Things When He is “Attending” to Them? According to Plato, can there be forms for a certain class of particulars? How do I apply the reduction to absurdity rule in the Open Logic natural deduction tool? Asking a question that only accepts yes as an answer? How to learn to read Guattari & Deleuze? Why did Daniel Dennett not adequately explain consciousness? Is it immoral to pay taxes if your government conducts immoral activities? Why does Justice Breyer say himself that his is not a logical argument?