If you're into Bertrand Russell, you really should take a look at his Facebook page...
There are plenty of quotes and topics on which you can comment - and, being controversial and outspoken on so many issues, Russell invites just that - along with biographical information. You can scroll down through the page and explore topics. See it here.
An introduction to Nietzsche...
Follow this link for a useful introduction to Nietzsche in the form of a Minerva Podcast. It is given by Dr Daniel Came, Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Hull.
Lecture notes on Philosophy from Dr William Large...
Interested in Kant, Spinoza, Plato's Republic, Philosophy as a Way of Life? These and other subjects are covered in a series of lecture notes provided by William Large, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Gloucestershire. Click here for his website.
Nigel Warburton's podcasts
These podcasts give extremely useful bite-size introductions to many aspects of philosophy and a chance to hear some of the greatest living philosophers enthuse about what most interests them. The podcasts have now been organised by theme, so you can scroll down his list and find what interests you. Just click here for the link.
If you live in the London area and are interested in taking courses in philosophy and ethics, take a look at the new prospectus from the London School of Philosophy.
'Whereof one cannot speak, thereon one must remain silent.'
... the ending of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889 - 1951)
The Open University...
The Open University offers a good range of free podcasts. To see their new series, called 'Exploring Philosophy' follow this link:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=444084074
Nigel Warburton
Nigel's A Little History of Philosophy is an easy introduction of some of the great philosophers, and he makes it more interesting by not taking the most obvious aspects of each thinker. Click on the title to buy or for further information.
And while there, you could always pick up a copy of my Understand Philosophy book in French!
The history of philosophy podcasts...
Professor Peter Adamson of King's College London, has launched a series of podcasts which will eventually cover the whole history of philosophy. He's starting with Ancient Philosophy, so go on line now to hear him speak on Plato. If the first podcasts are anything to go by, this will be a fascinating resource, both for students and those who have a general interest in philosophy. Each podcast lasts 20 minutes, and he's issuing them each week.
Try them on www.historyofphilosophy.net
'New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.'
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding John Locke (1632-1704)
Interested in David Hume?
The Open University’s iTunes U channel is offering the following free podcasts: Hume: 19th Century Philosopher ( 300 years of David Hume)
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=421362095
Philosophy Bites
Following on from the huge success of their Philosophy Bites podcasts, Nigel Warburton and David Edmonds produced a book featuring some of their most interesting and relevant interviews. They make philosophy accessible to those who might not have tried it before. There is no need for more information about this book here because, if you click on the Amazon link, you will be able to 'look inside' and see the contents for yourself. (And for those of you in the USA, click here to go to Amazon.com.)
This is philosophy at its most engaged and enthusiastic! It provides a good, jargon-free introduction to some of the best philosophers working today and the issues with which they are concerned.
Looking for meaning in life from a secular point of view?
I think the following statement by Don Cupitt is a great starting point for reflection, whatever one's own views on religion and life. Click the link below to see what, I believe, amounts to a manifesto which any sensitive agnostic or atheist can subscribe, but which I regard as expressing the essence of what is best in religion.
http://www.doncupitt.com/philosophylife/don-cupitt-philosophy-of-life-religion-of-ordinary-life.html
I'm posting this here, as well as on the Philosophy of Religion page, because it's worth taking a look at this even if you tend to dismiss or ignore other religious issues.
Some introductory texts, particularly suitable for those doing A level:
When it comes to philosophy, clarity is (almost) everything. Being able to grasp and express an idea in a straightforward and intelligible way is an essential skill to develop. There are books that can help with this. Nigel Warburton's popular books: The Basics of Essay Writing and Thinking from A to Z, along with his Essential Study Guide are extremely useful for students seeking to sharpen up their technique.
