system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
How to actually learn philosophy?

I believe this is an underrated question: When trying to learn about new topics within philosophy, how do self-taught learners and graduate students go about finding resources on the subject they want to learn? I am tired of just typing “x subject books” into the google search bar because the books that google recommend are not at all what my philosophy professors recommend. Is there a method you follow if you want to learn a new subject? I am already aware of the SEP but that can not be all that graduate students or self-taught learners use.

Also do most people choose to read books or papers? I was told books is common for intro level or beginners but papers are key as you get upper level.
gpt
I would search for syllabi, which can often be easily found online. If you want to know more about metaphysics, google “metaphysics class syllabus” and they usually have the university listed so you know its reputable.