Light & Enlightening: 7 Philosophy books every woman should read

Light & Enlightening: 7 Philosophy books that won’t hurt your head

MF editorial team

20 Jan 2018

1/7
The Stranger, Albert Camus
Fairing no. 1 in Le Monde’s 100 books of the century, The Stranger uses fiction writing to discuss deep philosophical issues. The text is relatively short whilst managing to discuss themes such as absurdity, mortality and how to live life. Set in Algeria following Meursault, the protagonist of the novel, who finds himself committing a senseless murder, this text promises to take you into a philosophical world, with the mask of fiction to ease you in.
2/7
Micomachean Ethics, Aristotle
This classic gets your mind going on ethical questions. Aristotle braces the reader with simple yet thought provoking concepts like how we should live or how we should act. With a focus on good as the ultimate goal in our actions, Nicomachean ethics will inspire you and the way that you live. This guy taught Insta-inspiration everything it knows.
3/7
Republic, Plato
Often dubbed the greatest philosophical text ever written, this text discussed many of the issues we face in the world today, long before we did – 380AD to be exact. Plato, in a dialogue form discusses his vision for the ideal state. His vision is frightening but his discussion is timeless. Expect topics like law, morality, justice, education and the role of women, debated in this text just like they are debated today.
4/7
Discourse on Method and Meditations of First Philosophy, Descartes
Ever heard that phrase “I think, therefore I am.”? Yep, this is the guy that wrote it. Descartes’ discourse on method will have you frustrated at the authors lack of trust in the world around him, and also struck by how much we take for granted. Descartes takes the reader through a series of conversations with himself to work out what he really knows. Slightly testing at times, but very short and very rewarding!
5/7
The Second Sex, Simone de Beauvoir
Right here you have an iconic piece of feminist writing, long before the world was talking feminism. Simone de Beavoir’s text is often dubbed the earliest feminist text written, and is a hail-Mary for many other writers to this day. She tackles issues of sex and gender without any prior knowledge necessary to understand. This text is well Noted for her profound statement: “One is not born, but rather becomes, woman.”
6/7
The Essential Epicurus, Epicurus
This text is shrouded in instragramable quotes to get you going through the day – and so much more than that. Little is known about Epicurus as very few of this ancient greek philosopher’s writings have survived the ages. Divided into fragments of his writing, which sometimes make it more approachable, his philosophy focuses on having a happy tranquil life.
7/7
Sophie’s World, Jostein Gaarder
And if these guys are weighing you down, pick up Sophie’s World. This text is often used as an introduction to Philosophy, due its readability and introductory nature to the history of philosophy. Sophie takes philosophy lessons, which by default makes the reader take philosophy lessons too. Through twists and turns along the way, Sophie is left questioning how real the world she lives in is, getting the reader to think twice about theirs.

Philosophy is a gateway into understanding the world around you and yourself. Here are some classic texts to get you started that won’t give you a migraine!

Philosophy is not a subject many of us dabble in. Often reserved to go hand-in-hand with academics and bookworms, many steer clear. But philosophy is an integral part of our everyday lives. Known for being the ‘first subject,’ philosophy is the study of knowledge, and aren’t we always learning?

The subject practises some of the basic ways we understand some of the other more familiar subjects that we practise today, including science, religion and ethics. Through questioning the world around us, and the way that we think about it, the subject is praised for its ability to see things in a new light.

Unfortunately, these reads can often be anything but light. Thick and heavy textbooks, with dense writings and poor translations, have paved the way for the stereotype that philosophy is not for everyone. Philosophy has the power to open up your mind and enlighten your thoughts, but this stereotype makes it less approachable. Here’s our pick of philosophy texts to get you started that are not huge brain bashers.

Shelina Assomull

Photos: Amazon

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