READING PHILOSOPHICAL TEXTS

Scientific texts can be categorised much like the way in which the sciences are subdivided into diverse disciplines. This paper focuses on philosophical texts from the readers' point of view. Philosophical texts follow their own laws, which require that their readers keep them in mind while reading. One must first distance oneself from one's habits and expectations acquired while tackling other types of text, and prepare for a specific work dynamics. This implies centring on the text and paying it complete attention, counting on reading slowly and being fully engaged in the text with the purpose of understanding and adopting someone else's philosophical thought in the process of its conception and development. There are three distinct stages in analysing philosophical texts. The first stage requiring the highest level of involvement is studying. It is absolutely essential to understand the author's thoughts via thorough analysis, linking various parts and sections, and finally succeeding in surveying the whole in sum. The second stage is explanatory in nature. Readers are expected to demonstrate their skill in faithful interpretation and communication of what is learnt to others distinguishing between the relevant and irrelevant, shedding light on theses and the structure they develop, as well as on arguments that support them. The final stage pertains to evaluation. It requires that the readers contribute their own reflections - in the form of both a critical review of the author's hypotheses and a validity analysis of the author's premises and conclusions not holding back from questioning both themselves and their stands.