Evolution of Thought: Russell provides a comprehensive overview of his philosophical journey, highlighting how his views evolved over time. This evolution reflects his responses to new problems and ideas, demonstrating the dynamic nature of philosophical inquiry.
Importance of Logic: Russell's early work emphasized the significance of logic and mathematics in philosophy. He believed that logical analysis was crucial for clarifying philosophical problems and eliminating confusion.
Logical Atomism: One of Russell's significant contributions was the development of logical atomism. This theory posits that the world consists of a series of discrete, independent facts that can be analyzed logically.
Critique of Idealism: Russell was initially influenced by idealist philosophy but eventually rejected it in favor of realism. He argued against the notion that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual, advocating instead for a world of objective, physical facts.
Theory of Descriptions: Russell introduced the theory of descriptions as a solution to problems related to reference and meaning in language. This theory helps to resolve ambiguities and paradoxes in philosophical language.
Epistemology: Russell explored the nature of knowledge and belief, distinguishing between different types of knowledge (such as knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description) and investigating the conditions under which beliefs can be justified.
Ethics and Society: Throughout his career, Russell's philosophical inquiries extended to ethics and social philosophy. He addressed issues such as the basis of moral values, the role of individual freedom, and the impact of social institutions on human well-being.
Analytic Philosophy: Russell's work laid the groundwork for the development of analytic philosophy, a movement characterized by an emphasis on clarity, precision, and logical rigor in philosophical analysis.
Metaphysics and Reality: Despite his focus on logic and language, Russell remained deeply interested in metaphysical questions about the nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter and the structure of the physical world.
Intellectual Honesty: Russell's commitment to intellectual honesty and critical inquiry is evident throughout his work. He was willing to revise his views in light of new evidence and arguments, demonstrating a philosophical openness that he considered essential for progress in thought.
Language | English |
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ISBN-10 | 0415136016 |
ISBN-13 | 9780415136013 |
No of pages | 207 |
Font Size | Medium |
Book Publisher | Routledge |
Published Date | 12 Oct 1995 |
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A survey such as this by one of the world's leading thinkers of his entire philosophical canon, is clearly as important as it is fascinating. It is a masterpiece of philosophical autobiography.
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