For Philosophy & Psychology Book Lovers
#100-199 of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) Library System
By Guest Contributing Writer Linda Maxie
This second division in a library’s nonfiction section contains books on Philosophy and Psychology.
Philosophy refers to humanity’s eternal musings on big topics like reality, reason, convictions, and ethics, while psychology is the science of our minds and mental activities.
The two fields of study share the common element of humankind’s exploration of our thought processes. They contain our understanding of what we have discovered or contemplated about our minds.
When the DDC was created in the 19th century, psychology was still in its infancy. In contrast, philosophy already had a long, illustrious past. As a result, the number of philosophy books far outnumbered psychology books in those days.
This explains why, out of the ten subdivisions in this section, only one, 150-159, is devoted to psychology. But in many public libraries today, the books in this subdivision outnumber all the other books on philosophy combined.
The 150s contain self-help books alongside works of psychological research and clinical studies or the popular works that discuss them.
One quirky and controversial subdivision within this section is 133 Specific Topics in Parapsychology & Occultism. This number once housed books on witchcraft (including Wicca) and Vodou. But libraries now shelve Wicca and Vodou in Religion (200-299).
Distinctions get tricky here sometimes. For example, when people speak of “voodoo,” they often refer to “hoodoo,” which has remained in the 133 subdivision as it is not a formal religion.
Library Notes
To complement the psychology books they offer, some libraries, particularly those in urban areas, provide programs to help their patrons with mental health issues. Many libraries consider this a natural extension of their community service outreach efforts. You may want to check with your local library to see if they offer mental health programs.
Another common type of program many public libraries offer is the philosophical discussion group. Sometimes these groups follow specific formats for discussions, like the Socrates Club at my local branch, where people seek consensus on various issues by asking questions. Sometimes guest speakers are invited in to speak on philosophical topics.
If you are interested in participating in such a group, but your library doesn’t offer one, bring it up with your branch manager. Perhaps it would be possible for you to head up a group yourself using the library as a meeting space.
Check with your library to see what services and programs they offer. You may be surprised and delighted at what you find there. Most go far beyond the children’s summer reading programs.
The Philosophy and Psychology Book Sampler
These books are from Chapter 2, “Philosophy and Psychology,” in Library Lin’s Curated Collection of Superlative Nonfiction. These books are only a tiny sample of the types of books you can find in this division at your local public library. You can find even more books on these and other topics on my blog, The Nonfiction Section.
Justin E.H. Smith The Philosopher: A History in Six Types, 2016.
Justin E. H. Smith sums up philosophical thought in six job descriptions, such as natural philosopher and courtier. Then, in explaining the roles they’ve played throughout history, he clarifies why philosophy matters today.
Jim Holt Why Does the World Exist?: An Existential Detective Story
Jim Holt, when he was a child, was not happy with the standard explanation that God created everything. So, as an adult, he asks, “Why does the world exist?” to some of the world’s top thinkers. Here are their answers.
Marjorie Hines Woollacott Infinite Awareness: The Awakening of the Scientific Mind, 2016.
Before she began meditating, Marjorie Hines Woollacott was a materialist who believed chemistry and electricity in our brains determine our experience. Now she investigates the meaning and location of consciousness.
Peter Manseau The Apparitionists: A Tale of Phantoms, Fraud, Photography, and the Man Who Captured Lincoln’s Ghost, 2017.
Peter Manseau narrates the tale of William Mumler (1832–1884), who claimed to capture images of the dead with photographic equipment. Before Mumler stood trial for fakery; even Mary Todd Lincoln was one of his devotees. While many have tried to replicate his photos, no one has discovered his methods.
Rollo May Man’s Search for Himself, 1958.
American existential psychologist Rollo May addressed his patients’ complaints of anxiety and emptiness and explained why people experienced these problems and how they could work with them.
Heather Havrilesky What if This Were Enough?, 2018.
These essays by Heather Havrilesky consider the impacts social and digital media have on us as individuals and as a society. She considers what we can do to mitigate the negative messages we absorb from the media.
Rebecca Newberger Plato at the Googleplex: Why Philosophy Won’t Go Away, 2014.
Novelist Rebecca Goldstein imagines what would happen if Plato found himself in the 21st century. What would he have to say to us? She explores the possibilities in an imaginary speaking tour.
So whether your interests lie in pre-Socratic Greek philosophy or the ethics of euthanasia, this division is bound to have something that resonates with you.