Showing results by author "Bertrand Russell" in All Categories

The Problems of Philosophy discusses Bertrand Russell's views on philosophy and the problems that arise in the field. Russell's views focus on knowledge rather than the metaphysical realm of philosophy. The Problems with Philosophy revolves around the central question that Russell asks in his opening line of Chapter 1 - Is there any knowledge in the world which is so certain that no reasonable man could doubt it?

This metaphysical self-help classic instills happiness within and urges individuals to pursue a content life without sin, boredom, or contempt. Written decades ago with post-war depression in mind, this text has transcended time and continues to give applicable advice for modern-day individuals.

Dedicated as few men have been to the life of reason, Bertrand Russell has always been concerned with the basic questions to which religion also addresses itself - questions about man’s place in the universe and the nature of the good life, questions that involve life after death, morality, freedom, education, and sexual ethics. He brings to his treatment of these questions the same courage, scrupulous logic, and lofty wisdom for which his other work as philosopher, writer, and teacher has been famous.

Remarkably relevant, beautifully written, and filled with wit and wisdom, these three essays by Bertrand Russell allow the listener to test the concepts of the good life, morality, the existence of God, Christianity, and human nature. "What I Believe" was used prominently in the 1940 New York court proceedings in which Russell was judicially declared "unfit" to teach philosophy at City College of New York. "Why I Am Not a Christian" concludes that churches throughout history have retarded progress and states that we should instead "look to our own efforts here below to make this world a fit place to live in." Finally, "A Free Man's Worship", perhaps the most famous single essay written by Russell, considers whether humans operate from free will.

In Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy, Bertrand Russell penned a profound exploration while imprisoned for his anti-war activism during World War I. This work delves into the groundbreaking contributions of late nineteenth-century mathematicians and presents Russells own philosophy of mathematics known as Logicism, which posits that all mathematical truths are ultimately logical truths. He reflects on his earlier significant achievements in addressing the paradoxes that challenged the foundations of mathematics, culminating in the renowned three-volume Principia Mathematica, co-authored ...

In the years 1920-21, Bertrand Russell found himself in Peking (Beijing), where he immersed himself in the vibrant intellectual climate of the time, later publishing this thought-provoking book upon his return to England. Fresh from a visit to Bolshevik Russia, where he was less than impressed by Lenins regime, Russell discovered a different narrative in China. Like many travelers, he projected his ideals onto the nation, spotting glimmers of hope amidst the shadows of the past. Welcomed by enthusiastic young intellectuals who viewed him as a beacon of modern and scientific thought, he faced a...

Dive into The Philosophy of Logical Atomism, a captivating series of lectures by the renowned Bertrand Russell (1872-1970). In these thought-provoking discussions, Russell explores a variety of profound topics, such as the nature of propositions, their relationship to facts, different categories of words, and the existence of various types of facts. He delves into concepts of monism and pluralism, alongside insightful reflections on philosophical logic and reference. With inspiration drawn from his former pupil, Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951), Russell aims to thoroughly articulate these ...

This compelling anthology brings together a variety of intriguing perspectives from Bertrand Russell. In Mathematics and the Metaphysicians, Russell reflects on the transformative impact of the 1900 World Congress of Philosophers and his aspiration that innovative mathematical approaches could unravel age-old philosophical dilemmas. The ensuing essays trace the evolution of this vision as Russell delves into the foundations of mathematics, exploring how new methodologies could reconstruct our understanding of physical objects through sense-data and redefine concepts like matter and causation. ...

In The Problems of Philosophy, Bertrand Russell offers an engaging and accessible exploration of the key dilemmas in philosophy. He emphasizes knowledge over metaphysics, inviting readers to dive into thought-provoking discussions. Russell skillfully distinguishes between knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description, while introducing pivotal theories from influential thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, René Descartes, David Hume, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and Georg Hegel. This work serves as a foundational guide for both casual readers and scholars eager to embark on their ...

In Proposed Roads to Freedom, Bertrand Russell, the eminent British philosopher and Nobel laureate, delves into the political ideologies of the early 20th century. Written in 1918, this insightful work critiques three major currents within the political left Marxian socialism, anarchism, and syndicalism. Russell, a pivotal figure in analytic philosophy who challenged the status quo of idealism, offers a thought-provoking analysis that remains relevant today. Join us as we explore his reflections on freedom and the pathways to achieving it. (Summary by Wikipedia/Carl Manchester)

In his thought-provoking Lowell Lectures of 1914, Bertrand Russell presents Our Knowledge of the External World, where he delves into the intricate relationship between our sensory experiences and core physical concepts like space, time, and matter. Through rigorous logical analysis, Russell aims to shed light on the complexities that defined late nineteenth-century philosophy, particularly in mathematics, and aspires to instigate a similar clarity in the broader realm of philosophy. Join him in the early stages of this enlightening journey into the philosophy of physics. Summary by Landon D. ...

In Political Ideals, the renowned 20th-century British philosopher Bertrand Russell delivers a thought-provoking critique of the political and economic landscape of Europe during World War I. This insightful work not only reflects on the challenges of its time but also resonates with contemporary issues, making Russells ideas remarkably relevant today. Join Sid as he summarizes this impactful book.

The Analysis of the Mind by Bertrand Russell is a collection of 15 lectures he delivered in 1920. Russell was a highly reputed philosopher, mathematician, and social critic, and would go on to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950.

First published in 1925, Bertrand Russell’s ABC of Relativity was considered a masterwork of its time, contributing significantly to the mass popularisation of science. Authoritative and accessible, it provides a remarkable introductory guide to Einstein’s theory of Relativity to a general readership. One of the most definitive reference guides of its kind, and written by one of the twentieth century’s most influential philosophers, ABC of Relativity continues to be as relevant today as it was on first publication.

Russell's The Problems of Philosophy, first published in 1912, is both a primer for the philosophy-curious and the practicing philosopher. He introduces his readers to his thoughts on the difference between knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description, and asks the question: If we cannot be certain that external objects exist, how can we then have knowledge of them but by probability? There is no reason to doubt the existence of external objects simply because of sense data.

He details the issues that his current economic system and the unequal distribution of wealth present in achieving said ideals. He puts forth his beliefs on what the purposes of an economic system should be, including production and security. He criticizes monopolies and all the damage that they have done.

A concise version of Bertrand Russell's political philosophy and thoughts, focusing on his favoring of guild socialism. While Russell believed that pure Anarchism should be the ultimate goal, his realism lead him to favor the guild socialism which he expands upon in this volume. Russell first discusses the various aspects of socialism, anarchism, and syndicalism, focusing also on the major men/movements associated with each school.

This pacifist manifesto was published in 1917, as the First World War was dragging to a close. The resolution of this catastrophic conflict resulted in a reconstruction of Europe, the fallout from which led to an even more cataclysmic war. Russell delineates the problem as being due to the institutionalizing of national hostilities and the consequent apportioning of blame among the warring parties. In his exposition Russell considers the roles played by a number of institutions, social and political, reserving some his sharpest criticism for organized religion.

The Conquest of Happiness (1930) is Bertrand Russell’s short, practical guide to living more happily in the modern world. Russell argues that much unhappiness comes from patterns of thought and social pressures—like envy, fear of opinion, boredom, and the obsessive pursuit of status—and that these can be unlearned.

Mathematician and philosopher Bertrand Russell was prompted to write and publish Why Men Fight (in 1917) as he and the world were experiencing the Great War. Russell shares his thoughts on how to end war - not just between states, but also between classes and individuals.