123PHILOSOPHY
45548550Bertrand RussellThe Value of PhilosophyBritish philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, writer, social critic, political activist, and Nobel laureate. Born: May 18, 1872, United KingdomDied: February 2, 1970, United KingdomQuotesThe trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.Most people would sooner die than think; in fact, they do so.To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong.There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.What is the value of philosophy?Consider this question in view of people under the influence of science or practical affairs doubt philosophy is legit.This view is due to the wrong conception of the ends of life and wrong conception of the goods of philosophy.Science is useful for inventions and effect on mankind. (what about physics, geology, entomology…?) What effects does SETI have on mankind?Utility does not belong to philosophy. The value of philosophy is indirect. Really? What about ethics and logic?This is the view of the practical man = one who recognizes only the material needs and values and only food for the body and not the mind.Who is the practical man?Even if most people are well off in the world, there would still remain much to be done to produce a valuable society.Philosophy aims at knowledge that unifies the sciences. (But this is direct achievement!)Knowledge of the grounds of our convictions.Philosophy has not had success in its attempts to provide definitive answers!Ask a historian, mineralogist, mathematician what they do—they won’t hesitate. Ask a philosopher, they don’t know! He will have to confess his study did not achieve positive results.But philosophy gives birth to sciences.The uncertainty of philosophy is a virtue rather than a vice. Uncertainty makes you ask. Also, it makes you start from acknowledging that we don’t know.Many philosophers claim to establish truth of answer to certain questions: for example, religion. We should not be dogmatic.Philosophy is neutral, no color, no race, and no upbringing. (Is it?) Philosophy makes the mind impartial.Enlargement of the self and the soul.Discussion questions to accompany Bertrand Russell’s “On The Value of Philosophy”1. What benefits do the physical sciences offer that philosophy does not?2. What does Russell mean by “practical men” and what sorts of prejudices does he attribute to them? Give any current examples of “practical” men and explain your answer.3. Do you agree with Russell when he says, “It is exclusively among the goods of the mind that the value of philosophy is to be found?” Why/why not?4. How does philosophy differ from other disciplines that seek knowledge?5. What, according to Russell, is the point of addressing questions which we have little hope of resolving?6. What, in Russell’s view, is the benefit of doubt and uncertainty?7. What does Russell mean when he asserts that “all self-assertion is an obstacle to the growth of self?” Can you give any examples to illustrate his point?8. What does Russell mean by “citizenship of the universe?” ................
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