What Is Philosophy?
Discover the central questions, major branches and methods of philosophy, from knowledge and reality to ethics and political life.
Explore the guide →Read. Understand. Explore.
Open Philosophy Library
A free digital library of major philosophical works, presented with complete public-domain texts and original introductions, summaries, explanations and key ideas.
GUIDED PHILOSOPHY STUDY
Philosophy Workbooks
Develop your understanding through structured downloadable workbooks designed to help you compare philosophical positions, reconstruct arguments and form independent judgements.
Use the Open Philosophy Library Study Method: Orient · Compare · Reconstruct · Test · Discuss · Write. Personal-use and classroom licences are available.
Build your understanding
Original Philosophy Guides
Explore original guides from Open Philosophy Library to understand philosophical questions, read demanding texts and compare competing arguments with confidence.
How to Read Philosophy
A practical method for identifying claims, following reasons, clarifying concepts and testing arguments as you read.
Read the practical guide →How to Compare Philosophers
Learn to reconstruct rival positions fairly, uncover their assumptions and assess objections before forming your judgement.
Explore the comparison guide →From the collection
Recently Added Books
Open Philosophy LibraryWhat Is Art?
What Is Art?
Leo Tolstoy
Open Philosophy LibraryPragmatism
Pragmatism
William James
Open Philosophy LibraryThe Subjection of Women
The Subjection of Women
John Stuart Mill
Open Philosophy LibraryGorgias
Gorgias
Plato
Open Philosophy LibrarySymposium
Symposium
Plato
Open Philosophy LibraryPhaedo
Phaedo
Plato
Open Philosophy LibraryEuthyphro
Euthyphro
Plato
Open Philosophy LibraryThe Bhagavad Gita: The Song Celestial
The Bhagavad Gita: The Song Celestial
Vyasa (traditional attribution)
Ways into philosophy
Explore Philosophy Subject Areas
Free historical texts
Public-Domain Philosophy, Carefully Presented
The historical texts in this library are drawn from public-domain editions. Every Book includes its author, translator or editor where applicable, source and rights information. The supporting introductions and study materials are original editorial work prepared for Open Philosophy Library.
Read the Credits and Rights information →