THE VALUE OF PHILOSOPHY
Bertrand Russell
Mathematician, journalist, political activist, pacifist, atheist, Nobel Prize winner...Bertrand Russell was truly one of the great historical figures of the 20th century.  But first and foremost Russell was a dedicated philosopher who tenaciously stuck to his principles, even when the result was his imprisonment by the British government.  As one of the founders of the analytic school of philosophy, Russell is considered a major figure in 20th century philosophy.  In "The Value of Philosophy"  (Chapter 15 of The Problems of Philosophy), Russell attempts to show how philosophical contemplation can enlarge the scope of human existence by enabling the individual to transcend a world of self-interest and in doing so achieve union with the universe.
THE VALUE OF PHILOSOPHY
As you read, be sure that you are able to answer the following questions:   

  1. What mistaken notion about philosophy do so-called “practical men” have about the discipline? 
  2. Russell states that the questions that philosophy raises are of the “profoundest interest to our spiritual life.”  What sorts of questions does he give as examples of this?
  3. Why does Russell believe that there is a definite value in the kind of uncertainty that the study of philosophy produces?
  4. How does the life of the“instinctive man” differ from that of one who is engaged in philosophical contemplation?
  5. What are some of the personal benefits that Russell believes are derived from the act of true philosophical contemplation?
Select one of the following question to reflect upon after having gone through all of the above steps:

  1. Bertrand Russell argues that the kinds of questions raised by philosophy (Is there any real purpose to human existence? Is there a God?  Is there life after death?  Why do evil things happen to good people, etc.) are among the most important questions that human beings can ask.  And this is true, he maintains, even if it is impossible to arrive at definitive answers with regards to these  questions.  Do you agree with him about the importance of asking philosophical questions about our human condition?  Or do you think that our time could better be spent focus on more  “practical” problems?  
  2. Bertrand Russell maintains that the very uncertainty produced by philosophy is among it’s most important advantages because it frees us from our dogmatic beliefs about life and reality and keeps alive a sense of wonder and inquiry within us.  Do you think that the person who is always searching and always questioning everything has an advantage over the person who believes he or she has the answers to life’s “big questions”?  Why or why not?
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