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Re:Ask HN: Learning about philosophy by ian0 on Saturday December 05, 2020 @11:49AM (#25315915)
A long time ago someone recommended to me a small Norwegian book called Sophies World [0] as a very basic introduction to the history of philosophy and its served well.

It was written by a teacher and geared at young adults. So its not a rigorous introduction. But its a short read and by the end you'll have enough leads to follow.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophie%27s_World

Re:Ask HN: Learning about philosophy by auxym on Saturday December 05, 2020 @02:47PM (#25317679)
I'd also recommend Sophie's World as a jumping off point into multiple "canon" works as referend by another poster.

I'm sure people out there criticize it as not rigorous or full of inaccuracies, but I've found it an easy read that gives a good overview into the works of western philosophy.

Re:Ask HN: Learning about philosophy by tyre on Saturday December 05, 2020 @03:28PM (#25318003)
I’ve seen many syllabi that include this book. I haven’t read it myself but have met some smart/thoughtful students of philosophy who did and value it highly.
Re:Ask HN: Learning about philosophy by jfengel on Monday December 07, 2020 @11:30AM (#25333681)
Just make sure you get the correct book. I put in a request with my library and accidentally got this:

https://www.amazon.com/Sophies-World-Sophie-Book-1/dp/031070...

I'm sure it's charming, but not what I was after. You want the one by Jostein Gaarder.

Re:Ask HN: Learning about philosophy by faisito on Saturday December 05, 2020 @03:16PM (#25317890)
For an introductory overview, you could do much worse that Sophie's world.
Re:Ask HN: Learning about philosophy by porlex on Saturday December 05, 2020 @11:09PM (#25320956)
This is actually what I came here to say! It is great book that I have given to many people. I also recommend Anathem, by Neal Stephenson which is a romp of a novel shot through with philosophy.
Re:Ask HN: Learning about philosophy by polytely on Sunday December 06, 2020 @08:17AM (#25323305)
Got this as a gift from my teacher at the end of my last year in primary school, still one of the greatest gifts I've ever received
Re:Ask HN: Learning about philosophy by upstill on Sunday December 06, 2020 @12:31PM (#25324992)
Count another vote for Sophie's World as a breezy introduction. Call it the root node of your tree search.