Answered By: Chris Strauber
Last Updated: Jul 23, 2019     Views: 184

If you are new to doing philosophical research, or if the topic you are working with is  unfamiliar, you might find a concise academic overview of your topic helpful as a starting place. Two good encyclopedias – the Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - can provide context and point you to further resources.

If you're exploring what's available on a topic or thinker, it can be useful to start with Philosopher’s Index or Phil Papers, both of which aim to collect the literature of philosophy (books, book chapters, dissertations, articles) in one searchable location.

For more in-depth work, or to see an overview of what's available in philosophy, a good starting point is the BC Libraries' Philosophy Portal, which provides links to key resources, a philosophy research guide; and a sampling of some of the most relevant databases for philosophical research.

The Philosophy Librarian is available to answer questions, make more recommendations, and suggest strategies for solid research.