Every year a slew of new philosophy books are published, works by or about everyone from Aristotle to Žižek and covering everything from aesthetics to Zen. But which ones are actually worth reading? Below our philosophy editor, Nigel Warburton, picks out some of the books that have recently hit the shelves or are out in the next few months (We've also included philosophy books that are new in paperback).
Spinoza's Ethics, Translated by George Eliot
by Baruch Spinoza, Clare Carlisle & George Eliot
"Hatred is increased by reciprocal hatred, but can be destroyed by love"—Baruch Spinoza.
Rather excitingly, Princeton University Press has published George Eliot's translation of Baruch Spinoza's Ethics, which previously was quite hard to buy. The book is edited by Clare Carlisle, a philosopher at King's College London, whose introduction details the influence of Spinoza on George Eliot's later literary work.
The influence of Spinoza on George Eliot is discussed in this interview on the Best Philosophical Novels, with philosopher and novelist Rebecca Goldstein.
How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy
by Daniel Kaufman, Massimo Pigliucci & Skye C Cleary
"Socrates was onto something, we think: examining your life, at least from time to time, may help you make small corrections to your life's course, if need be, and occasionally may even prompt you to make some radical changes to your unfolding path."
Are you an existentialist? A Stoic? Or does Buddhism have more appeal? In How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy, philosophers Skye Cleary, Massimo Pigliucci and Dan Kaufman gather together essays by 15 thinkers, with each presenting the philosophy they've chosen to guide their lives.
We have interviews with both Skye Cleary, on the Philosophy of Love, and Massimo Pigliucci, on the Best Stoicism Books, on Five Books.
How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog: Exploring the Big Questions in Life
by Anthony McGowan
"We’re doing philosophy now, and that means following the argument wherever it leads, like that time you chased a rabbit and ended up with your head stuck in a hole." —Anthony McGowan
How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog got a special mention in Nigel Warburton's Best Philosophy Books of 2019.
Secularism: A Very Short Introduction
by Andrew Copson
Secularism: A Very Short Introduction by Andrew Copson is the perfect book to get a good grip on this important and relevant subject.
A Theory of Jerks and Other Philosophical Misadventures
by Eric Schwitzgebel
***One of the Best Philosophy Books of 2019, recommended by Nigel Warburton***
What is the difference between a jerk and an asshole? A Theory of Jerks and Other Philosophical Misadventures by Eric Schwitzgebel explores this and other important issues.
Lessons in Stoicism: What Ancient Philosophers Teach Us about How to Live
by John Sellars
Lessons in Stoicism "is a short popular guide to Stoicism aimed at a wide audience," according to the author, John Sellars. Our philosophy editor, Nigel Warburton, has reviewed Lessons in Stoicism below.
Anger and Forgiveness: Resentment, Generosity, and Justice
by Martha Nussbaum
***One of the Best Philosophy Books of 2016, recommended by Nigel Warburton***
Socrates in Love: The Making of a Philosopher
by Armand D'Angour
***One of the Best Philosophy Books of 2019, recommended by Nigel Warburton***
The Infidel and the Professor: David Hume, Adam Smith, and the Friendship That Shaped Modern Thought
by Dennis Rasmussen
***One of the Best Philosophy Books of 2016, recommended by Nigel Warburton***
