In a world of constant noise, philosophy offers a lot of questions to think more clearly and understand ourselves on a deeper level.
This critical topic has now found a vibrant new home on YouTube, where the most complex ideas are brought to life through engaging and accessible video content to reduce your fear or boredom of this topic.
Not only this, on YouTube, you can also engage with history’s greatest minds to gain insight into their profound thoughts on life.
This makes the pursuit of wisdom more dynamic and relevant than ever before.
To help you begin your exploration, we’ve compiled a list of the very best channels for you.
Best YouTube Channels for Philosophy
CrashCourse Philosophy
Part of the highly popular CrashCourse series, this channel offers an excellent entry point into philosophy. Hosted by Hank Green and Dr. Lauren Mills, these engaging animated videos break down complex philosophical concepts, historical figures, and major schools of thought (like ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics) into digestible, entertaining lessons. It’s perfect for students and beginners looking for a solid foundation.
Einzelgänger
For those who appreciate a more contemplative and introspective approach, Einzelgänger provides beautifully produced videos exploring themes from stoicism, existentialism, and ancient wisdom. The channel combines soothing visuals with profound insights, encouraging viewers to reflect on personal growth, meaning, and the human condition. It’s less about academic debate and more about applying philosophy to life.
The School of Life
Founded by philosopher Alain de Botton, The School of Life offers elegant, animated videos that apply philosophical concepts to everyday problems and modern life. Their content often focuses on themes of emotional intelligence, relationships, work, and self-understanding, bridging the gap between abstract theory and practical living.
Dr. Gregory Sadler
For those who want to go beyond summaries and engage with philosophical texts on a deeper level, Dr. Gregory Sadler’s channel is an unparalleled resource. A practicing academic philosopher, Sadler has created a vast library of videos featuring university-level lectures, detailed analyses of classic texts, and line-by-line breakdowns of arguments from a wide range of thinkers, including Aristotle, Hegel, and Sartre. It’s an essential resource for students and self-learners who want to seriously tackle primary philosophical works and understand the nuances of complex arguments.
Wireless Philosophy (Wi-Phi)
A fantastic resource for clear and concise explanations of core philosophical concepts and arguments. Produced by a team of professional philosophers, Wi-Phi uses simple animations and straightforward language to tackle topics in ethics, logic, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind, making it an excellent aid for students and anyone seeking clarity on foundational ideas.
Carneades.org
This channel is a treasure trove for anyone interested in formal logic, critical thinking, and analytical philosophy. While it can get quite in-depth, it offers comprehensive playlists on propositional logic, syllogisms, fallacies, and philosophical arguments, presented in a structured and pedagogical manner. It’s a serious resource for serious learners.
Sisyphus 55
Sisyphus 55 offers detailed explorations of existentialism, absurdism, and the works of philosophers like Camus, Nietzsche, and Kierkegaard. The videos often delve into the implications of these philosophies for personal meaning, freedom, and the challenges of modern existence, delivered with a thoughtful and often poetic style.
Philosophy Tube
Hosted by Olly Thorn, Philosophy Tube delivers engaging, theatrical, and often politically charged discussions on a wide range of philosophical topics. Olly uses elaborate sets, costumes, and a performative style to explore complex ideas, often linking them to current social and political issues. It’s entertaining, thought-provoking, and accessible, though sometimes opinionated.
Then & Now
This channel provides excellent historical overviews of philosophical movements and the intellectual biographies of major thinkers. It helps viewers understand the evolution of ideas over time and how different philosophers influenced one another, offering crucial context for philosophical study.
Closer To Truth
This channel features interviews with leading scientists, philosophers, and theologians from around the world. Hosted by Robert Lawrence Kuhn, it explores grand questions about cosmos, consciousness, and meaning, providing diverse perspectives from top experts. It’s less about teaching specific philosophers and more about exploring big questions at the frontier of human knowledge.
Conclusion
YouTube has truly democratized access to philosophical inquiry, offering a vibrant and diverse ecosystem of content for every level of interest. From foundational concepts to deep dives into existentialism, and from historical context to contemporary application, these channels provide invaluable resources for anyone eager to explore life’s most profound questions.
FAQs
Is YouTube a reliable source for learning philosophy?
While YouTube can be an excellent supplemental resource for learning philosophy, it’s important to approach it critically. Channels run by academic institutions (e.g., Wi-Phi) or established educators (e.g., CrashCourse) tend to be highly reliable. Always cross-reference information with academic texts or reputable sources, especially for complex topics.
I’m completely new to philosophy. Which channel should I start with?
For absolute beginners, CrashCourse Philosophy is highly recommended. It provides engaging, animated overviews of major concepts and thinkers, making complex ideas much more approachable. The School of Life is also great for applying philosophy to everyday life, offering a practical entry point into the subject.
Can these channels help me with my philosophy coursework?
Yes, many of these channels, especially CrashCourse Philosophy, Wireless Philosophy (Wi-Phi), and Carneades.org, can be incredibly helpful for supplementing your coursework. They often break down difficult concepts and arguments in ways that can clarify your understanding and aid in exam preparation.
Are any of these channels more about practical life philosophy than academic theory?
Absolutely. Einzelgänger focuses on applying philosophical wisdom (like Stoicism) to personal growth and introspection. The School of Life directly tackles life’s challenges through a philosophical lens, offering guidance on emotions, relationships, and self-understanding.5
How do I decide which channel is right for me?
Consider your current level of understanding and what you hope to gain. If you want broad overviews, go for CrashCourse. If you’re interested in logic, try Carneades.org. If you prefer deep dives into specific existential thinkers, Sisyphus 55 might be for you. Watch a few videos from different channels to see whose style and content resonate most with your learning preferences.
