For Beginners:
* The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained: by DK Publishing: This is a great visual introduction to major philosophical concepts and thinkers.
* Sophie's World: by Jostein Gaarder: A novel that follows a young girl's journey through philosophy, making it accessible and engaging.
* A History of Western Philosophy: by Anthony Kenny: Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Western philosophical thought.
Classic Texts:
* The Republic: by Plato: One of the most influential works in Western philosophy, exploring justice, politics, and the ideal society.
* Nicomachean Ethics: by Aristotle: A foundational text on virtue ethics and living a good life.
* Meditations: by Marcus Aurelius: A collection of personal reflections on Stoic philosophy, emphasizing self-control and resilience.
* Critique of Pure Reason: by Immanuel Kant: A seminal work in modern philosophy that examines the limits of human reason.
* The Phenomenology of Spirit: by G.W.F. Hegel: A complex and challenging work exploring the development of human consciousness.
* Being and Nothingness: by Jean-Paul Sartre: A key text in existentialism, exploring freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of life.
Contemporary Works:
* Justice as Fairness: by John Rawls: A major contribution to contemporary political philosophy, arguing for a theory of justice based on fairness.
* The Structure of Scientific Revolutions: by Thomas Kuhn: A groundbreaking work in the philosophy of science, exploring how scientific knowledge progresses.
* The Moral Landscape: by Sam Harris: A controversial work that argues for a scientific approach to morality.
Other Recommendations:
* The Problems of Philosophy: by Bertrand Russell: A concise and accessible introduction to key philosophical questions.
* The Elements of Philosophy: by Jc Beall: A contemporary introduction to philosophy.
* The Will to Power: by Friedrich Nietzsche: A collection of Nietzsche's notes and writings on his philosophy of power and the meaning of life.
Remember:
* The most informative books for you will depend on your interests and background.
* Don't be afraid to start with something accessible and work your way up to more challenging texts.
* It's important to read widely and critically, engaging with different perspectives.
Enjoy your philosophical journey!