Need advice

[musicfan42]

I've been soul searching lately. 

I started doing CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) for depression and I was reading how it was influenced by philosophy. I then started reading up on philosophy. I'm reading up a bit on ethics and secular humanism at the moment. I'm finding it really fascinating.

Does anyone else here have the same interest in philosophy? I'd like a recommendation on a beginners guide into philosophy... sort of a "philosophy 101" really. I've been reading up on different articles online but what I really want is a good introductory book on the subject.

Thanks in advance!

[fromheeltoheal]

Philosophy is a very large subject, but there is actually a book called "Philosophy 101".  I think you'll find that when you dig a little you'll want to go off in a specific direction depending on your focus and interests.

Dialectical behavior therapy combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice.  Both CBT and Buddhism are fascinating in their own right, and different, and focusing on all of this stuff can do nothing but help us; enjoy the journey!

[musicfan42]

Thanks fromheeltoheal

Is the book any good?

Yeah, I've read up on DBT, CBT and Buddhism. I tried out some ideas like mindfulness, self-compassion exercises, meditation. I also tried out using DBT skills in my life. I still like the DBT interpersonal effectiveness skills like DEARMAN and the self-soothing skills. But CBT is definitely my favorite as it's very practical.

I'm keeping an open mind really. I'm reading up on different schools of philosophy. I want to learn more about it. I don't know enough yet to have a fully informed opinion on it however it's fascinating nonetheless!

[fromheeltoheal]

Yeah it is, another gift from our borderlines; you sound hungry for wisdom, and there is plenty out there.  I haven't read that book, but read it goes back to Plato and Socrates; people been thinkin for a while!  Enjoy your search, and take care a you!

[Tincanmike]

There is a nice approach to Taoism called The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff.  And no, it's not a kid's book.  Has helped me often through the years.

[vre]

I would recommend the "Philosophy Bites" podcasts.

[musicfan42]

Thanks guys for the suggestions!

I'm noticing that there's a lot of sexism in philosophy though. Most of the philosophers are male and some of them are openly misogynistic.

A lot of the philosophers seem to be weird. Schopenhauer had all these theories on love yet he never had a successful relationship in his life. It's as if all these philosophers are just sitting around navel gazing instead of actually testing their theories out and seeing whether they actually work in a real life setting. It's that disconnect from reality which I dislike... that they're just essentially giving their opinion on an issue and then expecting some kind of medal for it afterwards instead of living their life to the full in the first place.

[vre]

That's one of the reasons I like the "Philosophy Bites". Each one is a brief interview with a working philosopher, who's already supplying a modern, critical perspective on the subject under discussion.

When it comes to the dead white men, my personal favorite is William James, who was active from about 1880 to 1910. He taught psychology and philosophy at Harvard; among his students were Theodore Roosevelt, Gertrude Stein, and W.E.B. DuBois. Here is a web site that supplies a good introduction:

www.uky.edu/~eushe2/Pajares/james.html

IMHO almost everything he wrote is worth reading, but I'll point out two items in particular:

The Sentiment of Rationality:

www.uky.edu/~eushe2/Pajares/JamesSentimentOfRationality

On a Certain Blindness in Human Beings:

www.uky.edu/~eushe2/Pajares/jcertain.html

[musicfan42]

Thanks Vre

I was watching a documentary series online called "Philosophy: A Guide For Happiness" with the philosopher Alain de Botton. One of the episodes talked about Socrates and it was fascinating so I want to read more about him now!

[catsprt]

Sophie's World by J Gaarder.