Product Description

'Is there any knowledge in the world which is so certain that no reasonable man could doubt it?' Philosophy is the attempt to answer such ultimate questions, not carelessly and dogmatically, as we might deal with them in ordinary life, but critically, after analysing how and why the questions arise and clarifying the assumptions and concepts on which they are based. This classic work, first published in 1912, has never been supplanted as an approachable introduction to the theory of philosophical enquiry. It gives Russell's views on such subjects as the distinction between appearance and reality, the existence and nature of matter, idealism, knowledge by acquaintance and by description, induction, and the limits and value of philosophical knowledge. This edition includes an introduction by John Skorupski contextualizing Russell's work, and a guide to further reading.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6376 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 130 pages

Synopsis
'Is there any knowledge in the world which is so certain that no reasonable man could doubt it?' Philosophy is the attempt to answer such ultimate questions, not carelessly and dogmatically, as we might deal with them in ordinary life, but critically, after analysing how and why the questions arise and clarifying the assumptions and concepts on which they are based. This classic work, first published in 1912, has never been supplanted as an approachable introduction to the theory of philosophical enquiry. It gives Russell's views on such subjects as the distinction between appearance and reality, the existence and nature of matter, idealism, knowledge by acquaintance and by description, induction, and the limits and value of philosophical knowledge. This edition includes an introduction by John Skorupski contextualizing Russell's work, and a guide to further reading.

About the Author
Bertrand Russell was one of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century. His primary interest was in the foundations of mathematics, and his three-volume Principia Mathematica (written with Alfred North Whitehead) is the classic attempt to carry out the programme of deriving the whole of mathematics from a set of simple, self-evident truths. He also wrote widely on other areas of philosophy, and published a large number of writings on social and moral issues.

Customer Reviews

Engagingly thorough, deceptively Concise
A fantastic, if not slightly intense introduction to the discipline of philosophy.

This is a book that will have as much value the first time read as every subsequent time. Deceptively concise because at close to 130 pages it manages to confront a vast number of philosophical positions, and unlike many other philosophical introductions forces the reader to actually understand the philosophical argumentation, as opposed to simply learning it. The strength of this work as an introduction isn't so much as an overview of epistemological theories but in the actual discipline of rigorous analytic thinking.

I highly enjoyed this work and it is perfect for any person with a serious interest in philosophy. A degree of familiarity with philosophical writing, or a philosophical dictionary may be needed to ensure a smooth and rewarding read, as Russell really is one of the most prolific, erudite and concise writers of modern times.

Not very clear.
I am a college student who is currently taking an introductory course in philosophy. Russell's book was the first readings assigned to us. The book is not very clear, although it is thought provoking. Not a good introductory to philosophy, jumping right into and trying to analyze Russell's concepts is very difficult.

Read the first part last.
Russell, like Richard Dawkins, is such a lucid and persuasive writer that you have to make an effort to think carefully about whether what he is saying is right. John Skorupski's short introduction raises some of the objections to Russell's views (and Russell also points out a few problems in the appendix), but you should read the rest of the book before the introduction. Basically this is a tour through some problems in epistemology - Russell admits the book is only about subjects he feels able to be constructive about. Thought-provoking even if you don't agree with Russell's arguments - it's not a book you can read quickly if you're going to take it in properly, but you don't need any expert background either.