How to do Philosophy

Keeping in mind the following guidelines which should help you read with more insight and make the most of the resources on this website:

1. Don’t worry if you do not understand every word and every sentence.
2. Instead, focus on locating and trying to understand the main points.
3. Underline the main points, and try to catch the general flow of the argument.
4. Excessive underlining will defeat the purpose and make review too difficult.
5. For short definitions of key terms, refer to the Glossary on the website.
6. Interact with the text. If you disagree, write your reasons in the margin; if you agree, write something like “yes!” If it reminds you of something else, make a note of this; if you’re confused, write “?”, then ask for clarification in class.
7. When you find an interesting passage in your textbook or a handout on this site, spend more time on it, then seek out recommended readings or weblinks in each section of the site – or ask your teacher for further references.  Pursue truth relentlessly and never give up.
8. If a passage is boring you, try to read faster or just skim until you reach a more interesting part. You can form a quick idea of the content by reading the first few and last few paragraphs and the first sentence of every paragraph in between. (Use this for extra, recommended readings, not for the textbook!)
9. Try to find something that interests or intrigues you.  Remember: philosophy is deeply embedded in our culture – it surfaces on television, in film (hence the film index on the site), in novels (read some!) and in art – even architecture – philosophy is everywhere.  Read it and learn to interpret the signs of the times.
10. Most importantly, be confident in your own ability to understand. Adopt the Enlightenment’s motto as your own: have courage to use your own reason!  You are brighter than you believe – have confidence – remember there are very few stupid questions especially for those who spend two minutes reflecting before you ask them! Ask, seek, and you shall find.

Ethics is a vital subject, living and relevant.  It contains within it the seeds for your own happiness and self-understanding as well as the source of hope for our collective futures.  Don’t pass up this chance you have to reflect deeply and make a difference.  It’s a confusing world – but one full of wonder and potential.