Don't know much about philosophy...

Re: Don't know much about philosophy...
I think you should begin with a global view. Why not Anthony Kenny's "A brief history of Western Philosophy"? It's a good work, very accessible and inteligent.

I wasn't sure whether or not I should drive right into the classics...like Kant, or something. But "accessible and intelligent" sounds good to me, and an overview would probably be the best way to begin. thank you.

Try "Sophie's World".

This has been praised as one of the best intoductory books for beginners.

Aye. Sophies world is a good place to start. It gives you a good overview of western philosophy. But if you want to dive deeper than any of these western philosophers, past their obsessive ranting and long complex words, you should read Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. It is not a philosophy book in the sense that a philosopher wrote it, but it contains vast amounts of wisdom. Truths that I think Kant and all the others were too wrapped up in themselves to even consider. And its less than 150 pages in pocket format! Philosophy is much more fun and useful if it is practiced without pride.

jnfr-

Philosophy is a bit similar to wrestling with a greasy bear except that it is possible,usually,to practice philosophy in more comfortable environments.
An excellent beginners course might well kick-off with Ted Hughes's controversial Shakespeare and The Goddess Of Complete Being studied in conjunction with the Complete Works.
Easier solutions I know not.Frank Harris maybe or Dylan up to the chicken period.

spendius.