Bertrand Russell

2. Bertrand Russell’s
Philosophy
Touqeer Raza

3. Bertrand Russell
1872-1970

4. B. Russell sprouts
Born: 18 May 1872, Trellech
Died: 2 February
1970, Penrhyndeudraeth, United
Kingdom
Spouse: Edith Finch Russell (m.
1952–1970),
Education: Trinity College,
Cambridge (1890–1895), University of
Cambridge

5. Early career
Taught German Social Democracy at the London School of Economics
Russell's paradox
The Principles of Mathematics
Principia Mathematica

6. Family life
Married four times
Had three children
He and his wife sooner became
the legal guardians of three of
his grand daughters

7. Death
Died of influenza in 2 February
1970
No religious ceremony
Ashes scattered over the Welsh
mountains

8. Bertrand Russell’s Philosophy
Russell's represent the spirit of the modern philosophical thought which has
revolutionized the previous concepts regarding every walk of life. Russell's
contribution to the philosophy is greater than any other intellectual of his
age.
His love for logic, mathematics and philosophy lead him to adopt the
rational, practical, radical, and skeptical vision of life. He not only evaluates
the contemporary philosophies but also gives his own view of life and thing
in the world.
As a philosopher, he blazes at the vast firmament of literature; like a bright
star, reediting the rays of his own learning. He was a skeptic and practical
type of philosopher. His essays are replete with practical wisdom and
excellently conceived and marvelously expressed ideas.

9. Russell's point of view about philosophy is quite different from the other
philosophers.
"Russell's belongs to the skeptical tradition of the 18th century."
It means that his philosophy is skeptical.
Russell can b easily termed as a skeptic philosopher due to his instinctive
capability not to believe in anything.
He believed that everything should be judged on rational grounds. For this
purpose, he asserted the acquisition of scientific and mathematical
knowledge.
He says that one good belief is that;
"Which is guided by knowledge and inspired by love."
This skeptical approach led him to develop a liberal Outlook regarding
every walk of life

10. EDUCATION
Logic is the cornerstone of Russell’s philosophy .he has revised his views on
ethics, metaphysics, nature, etc. in the light of his personal experiences from
time to time. He does not like his philosophy to be placed in the category of
idealism or realism. He likes it to be classed in logical atomism. He thinks that
one can realise the basic reality of a thing through logical analysis. He gives
place both to philosophy & mathematics in his philosophical thinking. He is an
outstanding philosopher & reformer & emphasises the importance of creative
attitude. He is profoundly interested in the basic problems of human beings. In
facts, he has sacrificed his entire life for the welfare of mankind. His vehement
protest against nuclear weapons & wars in the world is an eloquent testimony to
this. He was subjected himself to many hardships & sufferings on account of his
unflinching adherence to his views.
Western Philosophy is based on individualism, logical and analytical thinking and
conflict resolution.

11. Basis of Philosophical
Analysis of Bertrand Russell
Metaphysics (Reality)-Parental Branch of Knowledge:-(quest for truth or
reality)
-matter & nature are real
-mind & idea are real
Epistemology (Knowledge)-Heart & Centre of Philosophy:-(knowledge,
awareness, the reality)
-Universe is intelligence; emphasis on soul is more & less on body
-Science is knowledge
-Knowledge may differ according to people’s thought

12. Axiology(Values)-Truth, beauty or goodness:-(Values of human beings)
-Things we value ;( emotions, attitude, sentiments, desirable feelings are
realities)
-Ethical, Moral Aesthetic, social & religious.
Logic (Pure mental process):-(Inductive-deductive thinking)
-Plato is man, Plato is mortal, All men are mortal requires logic to understand.

13. EDUCATIONAL
THOUGHTS
(PHILOSOPHY) OF
RUSSELL

14. Russell’s principles of education are based on his knowledge of human
psychology particularly child psychology. Russell maintains that the first
six years of child’s life are very important from the point of view of
development. By six years of age all those important traits come up in
children which form their future personality.
Curiosity- Curiosity is an instinct. It is the basis of mental development
and acquisition of knowledge. The mental development of the child is not
possible in the absence of curiosity. The teacher should try to create
curiosity in the child and give it a right direction and do it utmost to satisfy
it. Other virtues will follow automatically.
Faith in acquisition of knowledge- Faith in acquisition of knowledge is
an important step towards acquiring knowledge. Russell urges that this
faith must be created in the child.
PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION:-

15. Freedom from prejudice- A person should be open minded i.e., he
should be free from prejudice. If he does not have this quality he cannot
satisfy his thirst for knowledge. Therefore, open-mindedness is necessary
for acquiring knowledge. This quality exists in all those persons who have
thirst for knowledge.
Exactness- Russell recognises the importance of exactness in the process
of learning. Devotion to truth may be guessed through the degree of
exactness which a person manifests in his behaviour. Therefore, the quality
of exactness should be developed in children.
Confidence- According to Russell, confidence is essential for the
acquisition of knowledge. The confidence helps in making the child active
for getting knowledge. Nothing in the world can be achieved without
confidence and efforts. Therefore, it is necessary to develop confidence in
the child.

16. AIMS OF EDUCATION:-
According to Russell, the aim of education is to develop individuality of
the child in such a way that he may adopt himself to the human
society. Education should be according to the interest and aptitude of
students. His aims of education relate to the duties of teacher. The
teacher should strive for inculcating four fundamental qualities as the
basis of formation of character. The inculcation of these following
qualities is the fundamental aim of education:-

17. EDUCATION:-
Russell’s concept of
structure of education is
very comprehensive. He
gave a detailed account
of child’s education from
early childhood up to
university level along
with curriculum at
various stages of
education.