Author Description
Bertrand Russell was one of the greatest logicians since Aristotle, and one of the most important philosophers of the past two hundred years. "The Problems of Philosophy, " one of the most popular works in Russell's prolific collection of writings, has become core reading in philosophy. Clear and accessible, this little book is an intelligible and stimulating guide to those problems of philosophy which often mistakenly make the subject seem too lofty and abstruse for the lay mind. Focusing on problems he believes will provoke positive and constructive discussion, Russell steers the reader through his famous 1910 distinction betwween "knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description, " and introduces important theories of Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Hume, Locke, Plato and others to lay the foundation for philosophical inquiry by general readers and scholars alike.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the fundamental nature of knowledge and reality, questioning how humans can distinguish between appearance and existence. Bertrand Russell, a preeminent logician and philosopher, utilizes his expertise in analytical philosophy to strip away the perceived complexity of the field. He presents a structured framework that distinguishes between knowledge gained through direct experience and knowledge derived from description, aiming to provide a clear entry point for those new to philosophical inquiry.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- The distinction between knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description
- Analysis of the nature of matter and the existence of the external world
- Examination of induction, a priori knowledge, and the limits of philosophical inquiry
- Comparative summaries of theories from Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Hume, Locke, and Plato
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide an exhaustive history of Western philosophy
- It avoids overly technical jargon, focusing instead on introductory conceptual problems
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and academics frequently cite this work as a foundational text for students entering the field of philosophy due to its clarity and logical rigor. Readers often note that while the prose is accessible, the depth of the arguments remains significant enough to challenge even experienced scholars.
Page Count:
102
Publication Date:
2001-12-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN-10:
0192854232
ISBN-13:
9780192854230
Non-Fiction
Philosophy
Philosophy
Classic Philosophy
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Knowledge Theory
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