Essential Philosophical Reads for Teenagers

Embarking on a philosophical journey can be both intriguing and enriching. If you have just dipped your toes into the vast ocean of philosophy, here are some key texts to help guide your exploration.

Fundamental Philosophical Books

There are several foundational texts that serve as excellent introductions to philosophy's rich history and diverse ideas. Below is a selection of books that can help you get started:

Introductory Books

Sophie's World: A novel that introduces the history of philosophy through the eyes of a young girl, Sophie. The Big Questions: A Short Introduction to Philosophy: This book presents major philosophical ideas and thinkers in an engaging and easy-to-understand format. The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell: A concise introduction to key philosophical problems and concepts by one of the 20th century's most influential philosophers.

Classic Philosophical Texts

Mediations on First Philosophy by René Descartes: A series of personal writings by the Roman Emperor that explore Stoic philosophy and practical ethics. The Republic by Plato: A foundational text discussing justice, the ideal state, and the philosopher-king. Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle: An exploration of virtue ethics and the path to a good life.

Modern Philosophical Works

Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre: A clear exposition of existentialist thought and its implications for human freedom and responsibility. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft: A groundbreaking work in feminist philosophy that examines the construction of womanhood and gender.

Contemporary Philosophy

Citizenship and Civil Disobedience by Robert Nozick: A thought-provoking exploration of moral philosophy and political theory using real-world examples. Powers and Responsibilities by Martha Nussbaum: A discussion on how science can inform our understanding of morality and ethics.

Varying Perspectives

These texts vary in difficulty and style, so you can choose based on your interests. It's also worth reading diverse perspectives, including Taoist philosophy and Confucian ethics:

The Tao Te Ching: An introduction to Taoist philosophy. The Analects: A collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius, emphasizing ethics and morality.

Personal Reflections

I also want to share that as a former teenager, I understand the value of delving into the process that leads one to philosophical contemplation. Every child begins to philosophize the moment they can form conscious thoughts. As we grow older, the focus of our thinking changes, but the essence of philosophy remains.

In The Expendable Man (2018), I talked about how the realization that not everything we see can justify how we act was a significant step. This concept, introduced by David Hume, encapsulates the idea that simply seeing something does not provide us with the answer on how to act. This is what Hume's is-ought distinction is about, asserting that it is impossible to derive an ought statement from an is statement.

Hume's Is-Ought Conundrum

Hume's argument is illustrated perfectly in the following scenario: imagine a child has burned their hand on a stove. The mother, seeking to prevent further burns, would immediately calm the child and put their hand under cold water while instructing the child not to touch the stove again. This scenario contains a crucial hidden assumption that the child should not wish their hand to be burned.

The importance of this understanding is that it leads us to realize that our sensory experiences alone cannot dictate our actions. Thus, we must look beyond mere observation to derive moral or ethical implications.

Existentialism and Postmodernism

The existentialists, such as Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre, delve into the idea that living itself is an act of rebellion or faith. This helps us find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

Postmodernists like Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida take Hume's ideas further, arguing that all morality is subjective. However, even postmodernists rely on subjective interpretation, leading to a system of belief in itself, thus challenging their own ideas.

Nietzsche and Beyond

Finally, Friedrich Nietzsche predicted the decline of religion and the emergence of a valueless society. His ideas are a reaction to the subjectivism he saw in modern thought. It's important to approach his works with a critical eye as well.

Embarking on this journey, armed with these texts, will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of philosophy. Enjoy your exploration!