Philosophy: How to Read Philosophy

Tips for Reading Philosophy by Ellie Anderson, Ph.D. co-host of Overthink Podcast YouTube Channel(13:44).

Overthink is a philosophy podcast featuring fresh takes on perennial themes. Hosted by professors Dr. Ellie Anderson (Pomona College) and Dr. David Peña-Guzmán (San Francisco State University), each episode does a deep dive explaining a key concept through accessible conversation and sassy humor. Overthink also often features other experts as guests.

Overthink Podcast may be found at Overthink Podcase

Reading a Scholarly Journal Article is by Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library, Fitchburg State University

Skim first (paragraph/page/chapter), then go through in detail

Wait until finishing paragraph/page section until highlighting/annotating

Watch out for how arguments are built and premises introduced, check for fallacies (reflect!)

Resist the first and second urge to stop reading

Read text in several sittings

Learn to swim (get used to flow of writing/approach)

Learn the art of "skim and slog"

• Read small portions
• Read carefully but don't worry about depth yet
• Read contextually (words you don't yet understand may be easier to understand as you read the text)

Wait until you've read the whole paragraph (or page) to highlight, underline and/or write in the margins (Annotate)

• Take notes at the end
• Annotate, annotate, annotate

Watch out for the logical moves that are being made

• Note how the author builds their point
• Make a vlsual aid to help see where the ideas connect
• Watch for errors.  Do they undermine the argument or are they minor

Resist your first - and second - urge to stop reading

• Even Philosphers are tempted to stop reading
• Resist the first and second time - notice your resistance
• Recognize it's difficult reading
• Continuing to read builds stamina. You are stronger than you realize

Don't check your phone!

• A quick break or a google search breaks your concentration

Read the text in more than one sitting

• 20-25 minutes is a good starting point
• Skim the text
• Come back and re-read more closely

Learn to Swim

• Look for the rhythm of the work
  • Some might feel like hardcore waves off the coast of Portugal
  • Some may be like a peaceful lazy river
• Watch for patterns

PSA: Please actually READ philosophy.  YouTube lectures and podcasts aren't enough

Tips for Reading Philosophy by Ellie Anderson, Ph.D. co-host of Overthink Podcast (13:44).