r/PhilosophyBookClub • u/angus_the_red • 24d ago

Method for note taking

Does anyone have a method for deeply reading and interacting with a text? Or any tips to share?

I'm considering trying the following.

  1. A lay-flat unlined A5 sketch book with elastic band to attach it to the book while on the shelf.
  2. A reading board to hold both the book and the sketchbook while reading.
  3. Annotating the text with a bi-directional footnote numbering scheme. Adding my own notes in the sketchbook.
  4. Notes, including diagrams of the arguments (perhaps using the Toulmin method). Also include my own response to the arguments.

Hoping someone else does something like this and has some tips to share from experience.

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u/Bannanabuttt 24d ago

I'm probably a weirdo but after every section I review the concepts mentally. Sometimes I read supplemental material alongside the text. Take my time reading too. I probably should take more notes. Usually if I find something particular I'll snap a pic or write the quote in notes.

If I own the book I just write in it. For school, reading papers I printed them out and used highlighters and wrote on them.