...How does the writer present his thoughts and feelings about World War One? How far is the extract similar to and different from your wider reading in the literature of World War One? You should consider the writers choice of form, structure and language, as well as subject matter. By the extract being from Bertrand Russell’s autobiography it should show an accurate depiction of the war at the time, due to him actually living through these events. However, autobiographies could be biased as they are based on the writers’ beliefs and opinions rather than just the truth and facts. By him also being a pacifist and refusing to fight it would also mean he hadn’t been at the front so would only know what the rest of the people at home would, meaning that they would only be able to access the censored media within Britain at the time. By this being an extract from an autobiography we could expect for it to be a truthful depiction of the time, due to it being published a considerable amount of time after the war in 1967-69. However by Russell being a pacifist it could also be critical about the war due to him being against it. Within the first line of the extract Bertrand already shows a strong feeling of anger towards the war and the people that were involved in creating it “I became filled with… rage against all the statesmen of Europe”. Through his phrase of ‘all the statesmen of Europe’ it shows he wasn’t just angry with the British government but also all the other government...
Words: 983 - Pages: 4
...INTRODUCTION a. Background information to introduce the issue Bertrand Russell was a revolutionary in the field of humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought. Aside from that he was probably one of the most profound and sophisticated spokesman for atheism from the last century, His literary and communication skills are definitely almost unprecedented winning a nobel prize for Literature. His influence and iconicness that stood the test of time and his literary works that are still being talked about years after his death is a proof of his undying influence. Despite the fact that he was agnostic and an atheist, he felt that he was not up to the pedestal of being a Christian because he thought he couldn’t live up to the righteous maxims of Christianity, he found the religion too hypocritical and its norms too uptight and self-righteous for his own sake. It was his contention that religion and its maxim’s purpose was to limit knowledge, especially to children and prevents their ability to think clearly by trapping them with norms and inhibiting them from cooperating with others whose views are different from theirs. He also believes that religion flourishes fear and dependency. He also asserted that religion caused war, oppression and misery that is happening right now. Issues: According to Russell, The character of Christ isn’t as divine as God because of the flaws in his teachings and to his followers. Russell attacks Christ’s divinity and characteristics and followers in...
Words: 2094 - Pages: 9
...four sides. Here, the square is regarded as belonging to the set shape and thus it is definite that the square that is a shape has four sides–for it really is. Though, tapping much into definite descriptions will not be of any use because what became controversial, at least for Strawson, was Russell’s recognizing of the indefinite descriptions. So what are these indefinite descriptions? This kind of description has descriptions that are vague, not clearly defined, not decided, or not known. An example for this kind of description is: The king of France is bald. This proposition entails the subject–king of France–which by the way does not exist if we are to refer the king of France as the literal living human king of France.[1] For Russell that is a problem; problem that which a subject that does not exist...
Words: 1560 - Pages: 7
...from other people. In this paper Bertrand Russell who was born in 1872 and died in 1970 along with Martin Luther King Jr. who was born in 1929 and died in 1968 will be examined. They used their own creative process to motivate people into seeing different issues their way. Each of these men made contributions during difficult times. In this paper specific problems and ideas that these men sought to solve, and the plans they put into action to resolve these problems. Their ideas and solutions were met with opposition from people who did not like change. Some of their solutions were constantly improved upon. A part of these solutions were logical solutions, which allowed them to be accepted without much resistance. The way these two men thought had a huge impact on the way other people started to think, this helped to make the outcome of personal issues for the better. Russell dealt with analytical philosophy dealing with realism, and King was for fighting against inequality and the injustice of segregation. Being that they were two different men, they looked at things with different perspectives that others did not see. Both of them could produce ideas and solutions to various issues. Sometimes they had to have perseverance and patience to outlast their opposition. Contribution to Society Bertrand Russell contributed to society by establishing the basis for mathematical logic. Russell was also the...
Words: 1265 - Pages: 6
...The Weaknesses and Strengths of Common Sense and Science as Sources of Knowledge There are many sources of knowledge as the society progresses. In this case, the most controversial question would be whether or not common sense can be accounted as a reliable source of knowledge? Although both common sense and science can be taken into account as sources of knowledge, I will argue that to some extent common sense and scientific knowledge are still very different from one another. That is, scientific knowledge is much more highly valued and reliable than common sense. By definition, common sense is a knowledge that is developed from daily basis, and is primarily based on the viewer’s observation, while scientific knowledge is generated from a constant formal of testing in the real world. In this essay, I will discuss the weaknesses and strengths of common sense and scientific knowledge and defend my position for why scientific knowledge is generally regarded as more reliable and authoritative than common sense. In this section, I will discuss the main strengths of common sense and science. Arthur E. Murphy, an American philosopher, believed that the ability to learn by experience is the most fundamental factor in our intellectual progress. On one hand, namely, common sense is both common and sensible. That is, common sense beliefs can be easily observed by individuals and it is rather comprehensible. Science, on the other hand, uses a rational methodology. Also, along with...
Words: 1393 - Pages: 6
...Explication : Bertrand Russell The Problem with Philosophy Bertrand Russell concludes his analysis stating that the importance of studying philosophy relies on the question of value, as he states most people within the scientific community have a pre-conceived idea of what philosophy is, and may attach a whimsical value to it. Russell explains that Philosophy is like other sciences in that what is produces is not always tangible or the methods by which it is created is always easily understood, so in order to appreciate philosophy it is a good option to study students learning the value of philosophy first hand Russell continues, that “practical men” (Russell, 2009) need to change their mindset; that “the goods of the mind are at least as important as the goods of the body”. (Russell, 2009), once a person appreciates that the mind needs nourishment as well as the body, they will be able to appreciate philosophy.“A critical examination of the grounds of our convictions, prejudices, and beliefs” (Russell, 2009) is the form of knowledge that Russell believes philosophy is based on. He further states that philosophy cannot be measured in the same way as other sciences, because once a definite answer is found, it isn’t philosophy anymore. Examples Russell uses are the study of Astronomy, and the study of the human mind, once under the philosophy umbrella of study, later to be under the umbrella of other sciences. Philosophy asks questions that don’t need an immediate answer;...
Words: 641 - Pages: 3
...through a period of intellectual darkness and barbarity. The Muslim world, as well as Spain, and the Chinese Empire were both culturally brilliant and geographically extensive. Thus, Bertrand Russell in the chapter ‘Reflections of the Re-awakening East’ says that it is the narrow outlook of the Europeans to term this period “The Dark Ages”. Q.2 On what grounds does the author argue that Communism is the “most modern and virulent form of Western Imperialism”? Ans. In the chapter ‘Reflections on the Re-awakening East’ Bertrand Russell argues that Communism is the most modern and bitterly hostile form of Western policy to establish their political and economic hegemony over other nations. He says that although Communism is not widely recognized in either the East or the West, it is wiping out the ancient and glorious traditions of civilization in Asia. He also says that China has been greatly affected by it and advises the other Asian countries that re-awakening of East should not mean subjection to Communism as its philosophy is German and its regime is imposed by military force. In addition, he says that poetry and music and art and love and the simple joys of life are necessary to make human life tolerable, but these elements are forgotten in the Communist philosophy. That is why Bertrand Russell considers Communism the most modern and virulent...
Words: 938 - Pages: 4
...exist for five years; that is until his trusty shipmates Spock and Scotty manage to find a way to beam him back onto the bridge of the enterprise. By doing this, they bring someone back who looks exactly like their Captain and contain the same memories and personality as him. The question then arises, is he the same person as he was 5 years ago? Given the many philosophical definitions that constitute a person, the answer is quite subjective. However, given that Capt. Kirk seems to have the same memories and personality, thus in essence has the same consciousness, one can infer that he indeed he is the same person. In exploring this possibility, we can look at the works of two philosophers in respect to personal identity: John Locke and Bertrand Russell. The views of these two scholars on the topic of personal identity starkly contrast one another and offer a basis on which to determine whether or not Capt. Kirk can be considered as the same Capt. Kirk five years ago. There are two arguments which can be used to determine whether Capt. Kirk is the same person or not. One of which is put forth by John Locke. Locke makes a distinction between what he believes the idea of a man stands for, versus what a person stands for. He presumes that a man consists of nothing more than an organized living body. This organized living body consists of particles of matter which take the form of life, and is therefore an animal of a certain form (Locke 361). Now, in defining the idea of a person,...
Words: 973 - Pages: 4
...famous thinker even before looking at the list, I chose not use his articles. On the other hand, I was disappointed that there were no articles pertaining to President Barack Obama. Knowing that he won a Nobel Peace Prize just for his ideas alone, I thought that he would be among this list. The first article that caught my attention was, “Why I am Not a Christian”, by B. Russell. The next article I chose was, “Not a Minute to Hate”, by Cornell West. Bertrand Arthur William Russell was born in 1872. He was not brought up in the traditional education forum, instead, Bertrand Russell was taught by tutors and governesses. Being taught by tutors and governesses allowed him to gain knowledge of French and German, perfectly. Bertrand Russell was very well versed in politics and philosophy. He had a very outspoken set of morals and during the years, these morals landed him in prison as he gave lectures around the country. In 1927, Russell opened a school for children, as he continued to give lectures around the country. He had over 25 principal publications published beginning in 1896. Russell also received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for Literature. My next author is Cornel West, who was born in 1953. West also began his career as a thinker and a lecturer and is also known for his outspoken beliefs. It was not my intent to pick two of the most outspoken thinkers, but after reading about them, it does seem that I have. West has taught at Harvard University...
Words: 967 - Pages: 4
...may look at the same problem and have different ways to solve them from other people. In this paper Bertrand Russell who was born in 1872 and died in 1970 along with Martin Luther King Jr. who was born in 1929 and died in 1968 will be examined. They used their own creative process to motivate people into seeing different issues their way. Each one of these men made contributions during difficult times. In this paper specific problems and ideas that these men sought to solve, and the plans they put into action to resolve these problems. Their ideas and solutions were met with opposition from people who did not like change. Some of their solutions were constantly being improved. A part of these solutions were logical solutions which allowed them to be accepted without much resistance. The way these two men thought had a huge impact on the way other people started to think, this helped to make the outcome of personal issues for the better. Russell dealt with analytical philosophy dealing with realism, and King was for fighting against inequality and the injustice of segregation. Being that they were two different men, they looked at things with different perspectives that others did not see. Both of them were able to produce ideas and solutions to various issues. Sometimes they had to have a lot of patience to outlast their opposition. Contribution to Society Bertrand Russell contributed to society by establishing the basis for mathematical logic, he was the founder of analytical...
Words: 1288 - Pages: 6
...“In Praise of Idleness” (1932), Bertrand Russell claims that leisure has a negative impact on our society and is avoidable because of the modern technology we have today. Russell seems to be in conflict with individuals that are at the top of the economic ladder. Modern technology allows for a four hour work day, however, these individuals are taking advantage of their workers because “the morality of work is the morality of slaves (Russell 14).” Long hours for workers are sought after by their employers instead of creating more jobs for those who desperately need them. Long work hours do not allow for leisure or time and often causes people to become overworked. Technology in our society has grown rapidly, yet hours are not decreasing and jobs are not being created. Employed individuals are taking advantage of their employers and have the mindset that working harder allows for better income, which is uniform with their employers. People who are wealthy and have poor idleness have high expectations from those who they are providing the jobs for. This is currently an issue in today’s society. The people in our society will never stop working; they will continue making money to support themselves and their families. Working individuals only want what’s best for themselves and their future. As society grows, so do the hours that men and women are working contradicting Russell’s wish that hours should be decreased as society grows. Society can’t forget that leisure time must be earned...
Words: 258 - Pages: 2
...in the family business. For one year, he was a pupil at the same school as a younger boy named Adolf Hitler. Wittgenstein developed an interest in the nascent field of aeronautics and went to the University of Manchester to study aeronautical engineering. While he was there, he became increasingly preoccupied by mathematical and philosophical questions. Understanding that the highest authority on these questions at the time was Bertrand Russell, Wittgenstein impulsively traveled to Cambridge in 1911 and requested that Russell take him on as a student. Russell was hesitant at first but was soon impressed by Wittgenstein’s intelligence. Wittgenstein was brought into philosophy by Bertrand Russell, who was one of the founders of the analytic movement in philosophy. In the Investigations, Wittgenstein is concerned primarily with the very impulse to think philosophically more than he is with any particular philosophical views. Nevertheless, we find in the Investigations a preoccupation with language, and we can see the enduring influence of Frege and Russell in Wittgenstein’s conviction that a proper understanding of language will expose the hidden flaws in philosophical reasoning. Wittgenstein takes the example of game, showing that there is no rigid definition that includes everything we consider a game and excludes everything we do not consider a game, but we nevertheless have no difficulty in using the word game correctly. As far as Wittgenstein is concerned, ordinary language...
Words: 1368 - Pages: 6
...In order to answer the question whether philosophical reflection essential or at least helpful to living a good life we should define what is good and bad. In the essay of Bertrand Russell it is stated that philosophy gives does not give particular answers as for example math gives. In the essay it is stated that in order to understand philosophy, people should free their mind from the prejudices of what are wrongly called ‘practical’ men (Bertrand Russell). From my point of view in this world not many things could be defined as good or bad. Good or bad things are defined by society and put limitations of people’s view. So basically, people are afraid very often to do something because of the judgment from the society. Philosophy calls to get rid of these barriers put by society. That is why I think that philosophy is essential for living good life. In Bertrand Russell’s essay is stated that “man who has no tincture of philosophy goes through life imprisoned in the prejudices derived from common sense, from the habitual beliefs of his age or his nation, and from convictions which have grown up in his mind” (Bertrand Russell). I fully agree with this statement. A good example would be taking risk by changing job. For example, you have a good job, but you were offered a new one, with better conditions, better salary and etc. However the person can be so afraid of changing something in his life or judgment of other people, that he will refuse this opportunity. Philosophy can help...
Words: 341 - Pages: 2
...problem, or changing the way people think about approaching issues. The two famous thinkers this paper will examine—Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), and Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) each used the creative process to change the way people viewed the issues of the day. They each made specific contributions to society during difficult social times. The subject of this paper will examine the specific problems or ideas both of these famous thinkers sought to solve, and the solutions they came up with for implementation. The ideas and solutions met with interference from people opposing the change, and many of the solutions were is a constant state of refinement, but their individual solutions all met the test of logic, enabling them to overcome the difficulties and opposition to resolutions. The thinking of these two men went a long way in changing the way people thought, and shaped the outcome of their individual issues for the better. Russell for analytical philosophy based in realism, and King in defeating the injustice of segregation and inequality. Both men looked at the problem in different ways to find different perspectives that no one else had visited. They both were able to visualize that produced ideas and solutions to issues. They both had the patience to refine their ideas and solutions to overcome opposition. Contribution to Society Bertrand Russell made many different contributions to society including establishing the basis of contemporary mathematical logic...
Words: 1231 - Pages: 5
...When speaking about the use of references and definite descriptions, philosophers have had opposing viewpoints regarding the assignment of truth-values. Gottlob Frege, P.F. Strawson, and Bertrand Russell each have their own opinions on the way referring terms should be thought about. Both Frege and Strawson argued that definite descriptions cannot be assigned truth-values, and Russell believes that these descriptions can be denoted as false. Non-referring terms should not be assigned a truth-value because if they are not referring to an object in the real world. Therefore, the proposition should neither be true nor false. Kripke’s causal theory of reference aids in the understanding of how names refer to objects. In Frege’s On Sense and Nominatum, he explains that sense and reference are two different aspects of the significance of an expression. He applies nominatum to proper names, and says that the nominatum signifies the bearer of the name or the object in question. The nominatum also applies to other expressions, like complete sentences, where a truth-value can be assigned. Frege describes the sense as the thought in which the complete sentence expresses. The sense of an expression can also be called the “mode of presentation” of the item it is referring to. If comparing the sentence, “The current...
Words: 2187 - Pages: 9
