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This discussion is a recording of a talk (a "space") I provided on Twitter (from my @Athens_Stranger account there) regarding a question I often receive from friends on how to begin the study of philosophy.  More specifically, the question is: Given the enormity of books available that introduce people to philosophy in addition to the enormity of the primary texts (i.e., the "Great books") of the philosophers from our Western tradition, where should one begin if one has no background in philosophy and wants to begin learning it?

I address that question by first attempting to clarify what is even meant by the word "philosophy" because of how one's understanding of what philosophy is significantly determines the possible answers to the question of where to begin in studying it.

I also address the obstacles involved in the study of philosophy as a result of the various ways in which philosophy is taught in colleges, universities, and various classical academies.