Where to start? Four philosophy reading lists

At the request of UNIL philosophy students, the teaching staff of the philosophy section have drawn up four reading lists. The aim is to enable students and the most inquisitive readers to explore some important philosophical works for themselves, and to delve more deeply into the various fields of philosophy on their own: ancient and medieval philosophy; modern and contemporary philosophy; philosophy of art and aesthetics ; and philosophy of science.

If you don’t know where to start with the works of Plato, Immanuel Kant or Hannah Arendt, or which texts to use as your first introduction to the philosophy of mind or contemporary aesthetics, these lists will be a great help. Not only will you find suggested texts by the great authors of the history of philosophy to discover or rediscover, but you’ll also find reference editions and French translations recommended by UNIL teaching staff. Recent critical studies are also listed, giving you a direct entry into the world of academic research in philosophy.

To discover and borrow the books that will spark your interest, go to Renouvaud and browse the reading list in the subject area of your choice:

Ancient and medieval philosophy – link to the UNIL bibliography
Modern and contemporary philosophy – link to the UNIL bibliography
Philosophy of art and aesthetics – link to the UNIL bibliography
Philosophy of science – link to the UNIL bibliography UNILPhilosophieantique et médiévale – link to UNIL bibliographyModern and contemporary philosophy – link to UNIL bibliographyPhilosophie de l’art et esthétique – link to UNIL bibliographyPhilosophie des sciences – link to UNIL bibliography

Enjoy your reading!Enjoy your reading!

Maël Goarzin
Head of philosophy and psychology collections, BCUL site Unithèque

Photo credits: Library, by Las antipodas, CC BY License.