AboutMichael J. Motta Expertise Existentialism, existential psychology, political philosophy; some value theory and ethics. Interdisciplinary approach to the social sciences and humanities: some background in abnormal psychology, expressionist art, and modern literature. I'd defer to other experts especially in areas such as analytic philosophy and philosophy of science.
Experience Tutor, Michigan State University, Student-Athlete Support Services, 2002-2005.
Teaching Assistant, Binghamton University, Department of Philosophy, 1995. Organizations American Civil Liberties Union
Publications The Society for Laingian Studies (giardino delle parole),
Lansing State Journal, Grand Ledge Independent, beTurtle.com, Property Investor Magazine, Grand Rapids Press, eHow.com
Education/Credentials Graduate study, Binghamton University, Department of Philosophy, 1993-95.
MA in Philosophy, Michigan State University, College of Arts and Letters, 1991. Master's thesis: "Nietzsche's 'Hothouse For Strange And Choice Plants'".
BA in Social Science, Michigan State University, James Madison College, 1989.
Study abroad: Cambridge University, Trinity College, Cambridge, England, 1988.
Awards and Honors Clifford D. Clark Fellow, Binghamton University, 1993-95.
Department of Philosophy Fellowship, Michigan State University, 1991.
National Merit Scholar, Michigan State University, 1985-1989.
I would like to know, what is the best way to learn about philosophy? I am finished with univarsity, so I cant really go back to do formal studies.
Would I have to pick up a study guide or something to learn more thoroughly about Plato? What resources are their available for me?
Thanks
Answer Hi Husain,
I think you're on the right track with Plato, but you might want to go back just a little further than that and start with the Pre-Socratics. I think what I'd recommend is just going through the history of Western philosophy (ask someone else about Eastern philosophy if you wish) roughly in chronological order, since each thinker is usually better understood in the context of his/her predecessors.
This page http://www.radicalacademy.com/diahistphil.htm is probably more comprehensive than you need, but what I'd recommend you do is basically start at the top and work your way down, using the names of the philosophers as research keywords to locate their original works, which you could then read. The really ancient philosophers at the top, the Pre-Socratics, usually don't have their own books per se, but their works can be found in anthologies of their fragments (try keyword "Pre-Socratics" in internet or library searches).
