Reading

Recommended reading on philosophy, with emphasis on practical, existential philosophy (Phronesis).

Alain de Botton, The Consolations of Philosophy – an excellent work of popular philosophy with practical applications that will change your life. This is by and far the author’s best book.

Jostein Gaarder, Sophie’s World - a creative, sometimes wacky, novel that introduces many of the most signficant ideas of Western philosophy throughout the ages. It is teenage novel, but you can ignore the fiction and just focus on the ideas introduced.

Robert Solomon, Existentialism – provides an overview of this broad philosophical movement, its main themes and its individuals’ ideas.