Background to understand advanced philosophy?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>As of late, I've been trying to diversify my interests beyond science, so I attempted to learn about philosophy. I realized, after some reading, that I found ethical and political philosophy really intersting,, so I've tailored my reading to that (kinda). I've focused on many enlightenment thinkers, but I did diversify a little.</p>

<p>I've read (so far):
Two Treatises on Government - John Locke
The Spirit of Laws - Charles de Montesquieu
Communist Manifesto - Karl Marx.
The Prince - Niccolo Machiavelli
The Republic - Plato.
Common Sense - Thomas Paine
Leviathan - Thomas Hobbes</p>

<p>I read all of this over the summer (since June). My problem is, last week, I decided I should learn about different aspects of philosophy, so I decided to try something new. And why not, I thought, start with one of the greatest philosophers our world has had to offer? So I went to the library, and picked up a copy of Nietzche's "The Birth of Tragedy," cause it looked the most interesting on the shelf (LOL). So I went home and tried to read it, and I understood NOTHING. Like...I didn't get what he was trying to say at all. Even as well as he described it, I couldn't visualize concepts like I normally could when I read Locke or Montesquieu, or even Plato. I had to struggle through those too (especially The Republic) , but Nietzche's work seems to be far beyond what I'd thought. </p>

<p>So what exactly should I do to gain a greater understanding of philosophy so I can come back to Nietzche? What would you suggest I read, or what concepts should I understand, etc. ? </p>

<p>Also, what are some other recommended reading that you guys suggest for more political/ethical philosophy, in the gist of what I have read so far? </p>

<p>Also, I found that "On Genealogy of Morality" by Nietzche looks really interesting too, but I don't know if I'll be able to understand this level either. What do you guys think?</p>

2

<p>just keep reading, and you’ll naturally learn to understand more advanced concepts. experience will make things easier. you could also consider reading summaries about “The Birth of Tragedy” and then going back to the book. that might help clarify things for you.</p>

3

<p>Are you taking a formal class?</p>

4

<p>Nope, just reading for fun. LOL I sound like such a nerd :P</p>

5

<p>Read Rousseau and Sophocles!</p>

6

<p>Voltaire, mofos!!</p>

7

<p>The Birth of Tragedy is going to require a fair bit of understanding regarding Greek tragedies. Have you read any Greek tragedies? </p>

<p>And whatever you do, always look up unfamiliar words when reading, whether they be Dionysian or amoral or ubermensch. Reading philosophy isn’t like reading fiction, in which you might completely skip a few paragraphs or pages even and still understand the gist of the prose.</p>

8

<p>Though the arguments posed in a philosophical text can stand alone, often they are counter-arguments to what earlier philosophers have written. Knowing the larger context of a text is helpful, therefore. You should read a good introductory history of philosophy, such as Bertrand Russell’s “The History of Western Philosophy” or Frederick Copleston’s multi-volume “History of Philosophy” (each volume can be read as a stand alone volume).</p>

9

<p>We read On Liberty in my Theory of Knowledge class and I really liked it. Can’t remember the author or even the exact topic, it may not be of interest to you, but I’d recommend it.</p>

10

<p>On Liberty was written by John Stuart Mill. The book is the cornerstone of classical liberalism, or libertarianism. </p>

<p>The one thing I remember from the book is the harm principle - one should be allowed to do what he or she desires, as long as it does not harm others. Should I smoke? Sure, as long as others aren’t exposed to smoke from your cigarette. Should I drink gallons of alcohol without end? Sure, as long as you don’t go driving.</p>