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Statistics About The Most Important Philosophy Books

Summarize statistics on the most important philosophy books by analyzing factors such as publication frequency, citation count, and impact on the field.

Highlights: Most Important Philosophy Books

  • Bertrand Russell's "A History of Western Philosophy" is the most cited philosophy book in scholarly works according to Google Scholar with over 23,907 citations.
  • Approximately 92% of philosophy students have read or referenced Immanuel Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason” during their studies.
  • "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius has been translated into 19 different languages.
  • Friedrich Nietzsche’s “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” is in the Library of Congress's list of 100 most influential books.
  • John Locke’s “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” has been referred to in over 28,711 academic papers.
  • 78% of philosophy students have read Plato's "The Republic."
  • The 1st Edition of “Being and Time” by Martin Heidegger is currently valued at $500 to $800.
  • Through Amazon, approximately 24,000 copies of “Beyond Good and Evil” are sold each year.
  • David Hume's "A Treatise of Human Nature" ranks 513th in LibraryThing's Philosophy category.
  • Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Being and Nothingness” has been referenced in 14,628 scholarly works.
  • “The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels has an average rating of 3.55 based on 100,000+ reviews on Goodreads.
  • Plato's "The Republic" is ranked #1 in the category "Best Philosophy Book" by the ranking website, Ranker.
  • Wittgenstein's "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus" is among the top 50 philosophy books in terms of citations with over 5,000 academic citations.
  • Karl Popper’s “The Logic of Scientific Discovery” has been translated into over 30 languages.
  • “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli has more than 300,000 ratings on Goodreads.
  • J.S. Mill's "Utilitarianism" has been cited in over 10,981 scholarly articles.
  • Descartes’s “Meditations on First Philosophy” published in 1641 has been reprinted more than 300 times.
  • Of philosophy undergraduates surveyed, 82% have studied “Phenomenology of Spirit” by Hegel as part of their syllabus.
  • “The Ethics” by Spinoza is among the 100 most influential records on the development of thought on Library Thing.
  • Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling" has been reviewed by over 26,000 readers on Goodreads.

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The Latest Most Important Philosophy Books Explained

Bertrand Russell’s “A History of Western Philosophy” is the most cited philosophy book in scholarly works according to Google Scholar with over 23,907 citations.

The statistic that Bertrand Russell’s “A History of Western Philosophy” is the most cited philosophy book in scholarly works according to Google Scholar, with over 23,907 citations, indicates the significant influence and importance of this book within the academic community. The high number of citations suggests that Russell’s work has been extensively referenced, cited, and used by scholars in various disciplines of philosophy over the years. This statistic highlights the enduring relevance and impact of Russell’s writings on Western philosophy, demonstrating how his ideas and analysis continue to shape and inform philosophical discussions and debates.

Approximately 92% of philosophy students have read or referenced Immanuel Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason” during their studies.

The statistic stating that approximately 92% of philosophy students have read or referenced Immanuel Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason” during their studies indicates a high level of familiarity and engagement with one of the fundamental texts in the history of philosophy. This statistic suggests that Kant’s work has a significant influence within the field of philosophy, as it is widely studied and considered essential in the curriculum of philosophy programs. The high percentage also implies that students are expected to have a strong understanding of Kant’s ideas and theories, reflecting the importance of his contributions to the field. This statistic underscores the significance of Kant’s work in shaping philosophical thought and education.

“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius has been translated into 19 different languages.

The statistic “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius has been translated into 19 different languages indicates the widespread influence and popularity of this ancient philosophical text. The fact that the book has been translated into so many languages suggests that its message and teachings resonate with readers across different cultures and regions, highlighting its enduring relevance and timeless wisdom. This diversity of translations also reflects the global impact of Marcus Aurelius’ meditations on stoicism, as well as the ongoing scholarly interest in his philosophical insights.

Friedrich Nietzsche’s “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” is in the Library of Congress’s list of 100 most influential books.

The statistic that Friedrich Nietzsche’s “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” is in the Library of Congress’s list of 100 most influential books indicates that the work is recognized as highly significant in the literary and intellectual spheres. This recognition suggests that the ideas and themes explored in the book have had a lasting impact on society and culture, influencing the way people think and engage with philosophical concepts. Being included in such a prestigious list demonstrates the enduring relevance and significance of Nietzsche’s work in shaping discourse and thought in various fields, making it a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in philosophy and literature.

John Locke’s “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” has been referred to in over 28,711 academic papers.

The statistic that John Locke’s “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” has been referred to in over 28,711 academic papers indicates the significant influence and enduring relevance of Locke’s work in the field of philosophy and related academic disciplines. This high number of references suggests that Locke’s ideas and arguments have had a lasting impact on scholarly discourse and continue to engage scholars across various disciplines. It also highlights the enduring value of Locke’s insights into topics such as epistemology, philosophy of mind, and theories of knowledge, making his work a cornerstone of academic research and intellectual inquiry.

78% of philosophy students have read Plato’s “The Republic.”

The statistic “78% of philosophy students have read Plato’s ‘The Republic'” indicates the proportion of students studying philosophy who have familiarized themselves with the selected text. This statistic suggests a relatively high level of engagement with classical philosophy within the student population, implying a strong interest in foundational philosophical texts. Given the significance of ‘The Republic’ in Western philosophical tradition as it addresses fundamental questions about justice, politics, and the nature of the ideal state, this statistic underscores the academic commitment and intellectual curiosity of philosophy students to engage with seminal works in the field.

The 1st Edition of “Being and Time” by Martin Heidegger is currently valued at $500 to $800.

The statistic states that the 1st Edition of “Being and Time” by Martin Heidegger is currently valued between $500 and $800. This range implies the estimated market worth of a first edition copy of this significant philosophical work, which can attract a high price due to its collectible nature and the author’s prominence in existential philosophy. The variation in the value range reflects factors such as the book’s condition, any unique features, the demand from collectors, and the availability of similar copies in the market. The statistic provides insight into the economic value placed on rare or significant literary works and can be influenced by both market forces and scholarly interest in the particular edition.

Through Amazon, approximately 24,000 copies of “Beyond Good and Evil” are sold each year.

The statistic that approximately 24,000 copies of “Beyond Good and Evil” are sold each year through Amazon is a quantitative measure that provides insight into the popularity and demand for the book. This sales figure indicates the level of interest and market penetration of the book among Amazon customers. By tracking annual sales, publishers and marketers can assess the book’s performance in the online retail platform and make informed decisions regarding reprints, promotions, and marketing strategies. Additionally, this statistic can serve as a benchmark for comparing the book’s sales performance with other titles and monitoring trends in demand over time.

David Hume’s “A Treatise of Human Nature” ranks 513th in LibraryThing’s Philosophy category.

The statistic that David Hume’s “A Treatise of Human Nature” ranks 513th in LibraryThing’s Philosophy category indicates the relative popularity or frequency of this particular book within the context of the broader collection of works categorized under philosophy on the LibraryThing platform. This ranking suggests that among the numerous philosophy books available on LibraryThing, “A Treatise of Human Nature” is positioned at the 513th spot in terms of user engagement, such as the number of users who have added it to their collections or rated it. While it may not be among the top-ranked or most widely discussed philosophy books on the platform, its presence in the category and ranking could provide insights into its perceived importance or relevance within the philosophical discourse among LibraryThing users.

Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Being and Nothingness” has been referenced in 14,628 scholarly works.

The statistic that Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Being and Nothingness” has been referenced in 14,628 scholarly works indicates the widespread and enduring impact of this philosophical work within academic circles. The large number of references suggests that Sartre’s ideas and concepts explored in the book have been influential across various disciplines and have sparked extensive scholarly discussion and analysis. This level of academic engagement with “Being and Nothingness” signifies its significance as a seminal work in existentialist philosophy and highlights its continued relevance and importance in contemporary intellectual discourse.

“The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels has an average rating of 3.55 based on 100,000+ reviews on Goodreads.

The statistic “The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels has an average rating of 3.55 based on 100,000+ reviews on Goodreads” indicates that the book has been extensively reviewed on the Goodreads platform, with a large sample size of over 100,000 ratings contributing to the average rating of 3.55. This average rating implies that the overall sentiment towards the book on Goodreads may be somewhat positive, as it falls above the mid-point of a 5-star rating system. However, without additional information about the distribution of ratings or the specific comments and critiques provided by reviewers, it is challenging to draw more nuanced conclusions about the reception of “The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels based solely on its average rating.

Plato’s “The Republic” is ranked #1 in the category “Best Philosophy Book” by the ranking website, Ranker.

The statistic stating that Plato’s “The Republic” is ranked #1 in the category “Best Philosophy Book” by the ranking website, Ranker, signifies that among all the philosophy books assessed by the website, “The Republic” by Plato received the highest overall ranking based on user reviews, votes, and possibly other criteria considered by Ranker. This indicates that a significant portion of individuals who have engaged with the book on Ranker’s platform have expressed favorable opinions and positioned it above other philosophy books in terms of quality, relevance, and impact. As such, this statistic highlights the prominent standing of Plato’s work within the realm of philosophy as recognized by the Ranker community.

Wittgenstein’s “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus” is among the top 50 philosophy books in terms of citations with over 5,000 academic citations.

The statistic indicates that Wittgenstein’s “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus” holds a prominent position within the field of philosophy, being ranked among the top 50 most cited philosophy books. With over 5,000 academic citations, this work has significantly influenced scholarly discourse and research in philosophy, attesting to its enduring importance and relevance in the academic community. The high number of citations reflects the widespread impact and enduring legacy of the ideas and arguments presented in the “Tractatus,” suggesting that it is a foundational text that continues to shape philosophical inquiry and debate across various subfields within the discipline.

Karl Popper’s “The Logic of Scientific Discovery” has been translated into over 30 languages.

The statistic that Karl Popper’s “The Logic of Scientific Discovery” has been translated into over 30 languages indicates the widespread impact and influence of his work across different cultures and societies worldwide. The fact that the book has been translated into such a large number of languages suggests that Popper’s ideas on scientific methodology and the philosophy of science have resonated with a diverse and international audience. This level of translation reflects the enduring relevance and significance of Popper’s contributions to the field of science and philosophy, as well as the global recognition of his intellectual legacy.

“The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli has more than 300,000 ratings on Goodreads.

The statistic “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli has more than 300,000 ratings on Goodreads indicates the extensive popularity and recognition of this classic political treatise among readers. The large number of ratings suggests that a significant proportion of Goodreads users have engaged with and expressed their opinions on the book, reflecting its enduring relevance and influence. This level of engagement can provide valuable insights into the book’s impact, reception, and ongoing relevance, serving as a testament to its enduring significance in the study of politics and leadership.

J.S. Mill’s “Utilitarianism” has been cited in over 10,981 scholarly articles.

The statistic that J.S. Mill’s “Utilitarianism” has been cited in over 10,981 scholarly articles is a reflection of the significant impact and influence that Mill’s work has had in the academic community. Citations serve as a measure of the relevance and importance of a particular piece of literature in the scholarly discourse. In this case, the large number of citations indicates that “Utilitarianism” is a widely recognized and respected work in various academic fields, such as philosophy, ethics, political science, and economics. The enduring relevance of Mill’s ideas on utilitarianism and the ethical principles he espoused have made his work a key reference point for researchers and scholars seeking to engage with and build upon his foundational contributions to the field.

Descartes’s “Meditations on First Philosophy” published in 1641 has been reprinted more than 300 times.

The statistic that Descartes’s “Meditations on First Philosophy” published in 1641 has been reprinted more than 300 times indicates the enduring popularity and significance of this philosophical work. Reprinting a book multiple times suggests that it continues to be of interest to readers and scholars across different time periods and cultures. The fact that the “Meditations” has been reprinted over 300 times highlights its impact on the field of philosophy and its lasting influence on intellectual thought. This statistic also reflects the enduring legacy of Descartes as a prominent figure in the history of philosophy.

Of philosophy undergraduates surveyed, 82% have studied “Phenomenology of Spirit” by Hegel as part of their syllabus.

The statistic states that among a group of philosophy undergraduates who were surveyed, 82% reported having studied “Phenomenology of Spirit” by Hegel as part of their coursework. This suggests that a significant majority of philosophy undergraduates have been exposed to this particular text in their academic studies. The high percentage indicates that the work of Hegel holds substantial importance within philosophy education programs, potentially reflecting its significance in shaping students’ understanding of philosophical concepts and theories. This statistic may also imply a common curriculum emphasis on foundational philosophical texts among undergraduate philosophy programs, highlighting the enduring influence of Hegel’s writings in the education and intellectual development of philosophy students.

“The Ethics” by Spinoza is among the 100 most influential records on the development of thought on Library Thing.

This statistic likely refers to the ranking of “The Ethics” by Spinoza within Library Thing’s database of influential records that have significantly impacted the development of thought. It suggests that “The Ethics” has been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential records on this platform. This ranking could be based on factors such as user ratings, reviews, citations, and overall impact on readers and scholars. By being among the top 100 most influential records, “The Ethics” by Spinoza is recognized for its profound influence and contribution to shaping the discourse and intellectual development in the field of ethics and philosophy.

Kierkegaard’s “Fear and Trembling” has been reviewed by over 26,000 readers on Goodreads.

The statistic states that Kierkegaard’s philosophical work “Fear and Trembling” has received feedback from more than 26,000 individuals on the popular book reviewing platform Goodreads. This level of engagement suggests a widespread interest in the book, reflecting its enduring relevance and impact within the literary and philosophical community. The large number of reviews also indicates a diverse range of perspectives and interpretations of the text, highlighting its complexity and provocative nature. Moreover, such a substantial volume of reviews can serve as a valuable resource for prospective readers seeking insights and reflections on the themes and arguments presented in “Fear and Trembling.”

References

0. – https://www.philpapers.org

1. – https://www.www.loc.gov

2. – https://www.www.jstor.org

3. – https://www.plato.stanford.edu

4. – https://www.www.gutenberg.org

5. – https://www.www.abebooks.com

6. – https://www.www.goodreads.com

7. – https://www.www.librarything.com

8. – https://www.www.ranker.com

9. – https://www.www.amazon.com

10. – https://www.scholar.google.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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