Hi there!
If the majority of your educational background consists of STEM courses, such as computer science, I can absolutely understand your confusion with the study of philosophy.
So, while there absolutely are ways to incorporate some portions of your preferred learning style (pragmatic, hands-on, objective), into theoretical topics, it's crucial to first adjust your expectations regarding the subject matter itself.
Meaning, if you really gravitate toward studying content that has only one objectively correct answer, then you will very likely become overwhelmed, frustrated and/or baffled by the subjectivity that's inherent to philosophy.
As in, the most renowned philosophers since Socrates himself have yet to achieve a consensus on countless topics, including the ultimate question of existence itself. As such, prior to beginning the study of philosophy, you have to be willing to accept there will be, more frequently than not, innumerable "correct" answers regarding any one concept. There isn't "right" or "wrong" as much as there is perception, interpretation and then analysis. So even though logic as a discipline is an offshoot of philosophy, the latter absolutely necessitates an aptitude and appreciation for abstract thinking.
With that said, here is the approach I would recommend regarding an introduction to philosophy:
- Begin with Plato; you'll need Plato to understand Aristotle
- Then transitioning to Aristotle would be good, because he is very structured and easy to read.
- Third, I would delve into Kant.
I hope that was helpful, and good luck with your philosophical pursuits!
Best,
Jessica
