I am currently studying a broad range of philosophical topics. I'm not prepared to suggest what is pragmatic to study, but rather how to study it pragmatically.

• Have a goal in mind for your studies.

When I study a topic, I always have a goal in mind to direct my approach to the topic. This keeps me from getting bogged down and gives me a basis for choosing which leads to follow.

• Learn the history of the topic.

This is probably important in any field, but it appears to be especially important in philosophy. Philosophy is layered on itself with argument and counter argument. The current state of a topic depends greatly on its history. This also has helped me separate ancient and debunked ideas from modern ideas.

• Look for recent literature reviews.

I have found that getting an overview helps to establish the main ideas and history of a topic. Then I am free to drill down in the areas that interest me most.

• Look for multiple sources on the topic.

Different sources will focus on different aspects of a topic. Also, some authors write to look smart, and some write to communicate clearly. I don't let myself get bogged down in opaque articles, I can usually find easier to read sources if I look.

• Be willing to argue.

I have found there to be a lot of bunk in both classical and modern philosophy. Don't simply accept the conclusions you read about, challenge them and research the counter arguments to your points.