Where and how can I get started in contemporary philosophy?

Question

We are living in an unprecedented era of philosophical research and development where "big thought" is once again everywhere. And yet I feel like I hear this question so often: > Where to begin studying contemporary > philosophy, where are the most helpful > (accessible/"friendly") places to > begin? Of course there are introductory books, but I'm trying to get a sense of what primary texts have proven the most useful, whether in providing inspiration to students at the undergraduate level or just in terms of providing a stronger socio-historical understanding of the role of philosophy and the various recent movements and so on. (This question is not "what is your favorite work of philosophy and why". I'm looking for a well-reasoned argument in favor of a particular text that would provide a good introduction to beginning students.)

Answer 1

Nobody who philosophizes starts with 'contemporary', you need some historical context.

The best book I've found is Julian Marias "History of Philosophy" IF you want the moderns though, I would go to Alan Vincelette -- yes, he is Catholic but if you start with a load of philosophers with no commonality you will never see what is at issue.

If you want to see the best collection of the deepest thinkers on the deepest question, this is the book God and Philosophy by Etienne Gilson