Bertrand Russell - Mankind's Future & Philosophy

Summary

In this insightful dialogue, Russell explores the essence of philosophy, distinguishing it from science by its speculative nature on matters beyond current exact knowledge. He articulates philosophy's dual purpose: to stimulate speculation in areas not yet accessible to scientific inquiry and to foster a humble recognition of our intellectual limits. Russell highlights philosophy's historical evolution, noting its shift from speculative hypotheses, like Democritus's atomic theory, to established scientific facts. He also discusses the diverse roles and perspectives of philosophers, advocating for philosophy's role in understanding the world rather than merely altering it. Through examples, Russell underscores the importance of philosophy in encouraging thoughtful action amidst uncertainty and fostering intellectual modesty.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Philosophy involves speculation about matters where exact knowledge is not yet possible.
• 📊 Science represents what we know, whereas philosophy covers what we don't know, highlighting a dynamic transition of concepts from philosophy to science as knowledge advances.
• 💭 Philosophy serves to keep alive speculation about things not yet amenable to scientific knowledge, expanding the imaginative purview of the world.
• 🔍 Philosophy also plays a critical role in revealing the limits of our knowledge, urging a modest awareness of the vast unknown.
• 💡 Historical examples, like the atomic hypothesis by Democritus, showcase philosophy's role in seeding ideas that later become scientific truths.
• 🌎 Philosophy and science are distinct but interconnected, with philosophy addressing questions beyond the scope of current scientific understanding, including values and ethics.
• 📖 Philosophical schools and trends vary by region and historical period, reflecting diverse focuses from understanding the world to moral and ethical considerations.
• 🌱 The role of philosophy in society includes both supporting and challenging the status quo, as exemplified by different philosophical figures and movements.
• 🔬 Bertrand Russell identifies himself with 'logical atomism', emphasizing the importance of analysis to reach foundational logical elements of understanding.
• 🚩 Modern philosophy, especially in English-speaking countries, has evolved towards linguistic analysis to clarify the meanings of questions rather than directly answering them.
• 📚 Philosophy's practical utility lies in enabling action with vigor in the face of uncertainty, encouraging a balance between doubt and decisiveness.

Q & A

What is Russell's definition of philosophy?

Russell says philosophy consists of speculations about matters where exact knowledge is not yet possible.

What is the difference between philosophy and science according to Russell?

Russell says science is what we know, while philosophy is what we don't know. As knowledge advances, things cease to be philosophy and become science.

What are the two main uses of philosophy according to Russell?

Russell says the two main uses of philosophy are 1) to keep alive speculation about things not yet amenable to scientific knowledge, and 2) to show that there are things we thought we knew but actually do not know.

Why does Russell think Democritus was ahead of his time?

Russell says Democritus invented the atomic theory, which turned out to be the right scientific view over 2000 years later. But in his day it was just a suggestion that could not be tested.

What does Russell see as the purpose of philosophy regarding changing versus understanding the world?

Russell believes the purpose of philosophy should not be to change the world, but rather to understand it. This is the opposite view of Marx.

What does Russell mean by 'logical atomism' in defining his personal philosophy?

By logical atomism, Russell means analyzing a subject matter down to things that cannot be analyzed further. These would be the logical building blocks out of which the thing is constructed.

What does Russell see as the main trend in English-speaking philosophy today?

Russell observes a trend toward linguistic philosophy - focusing on getting the meanings of questions clear rather than actually answering them.

How does Russell suggest philosophy can help guide practical action?

Russell believes philosophy can help people act vigorously even when uncertain, by instilling every belief with some doubt and avoiding false certainty.

Why does Russell think science diminishes the importance of philosophy?

As science advances and provides more knowledge, Russell believes it inevitably reduces the scope and importance of speculative philosophy.

What does Russell see as philosophy's continuing value?

Russell says philosophy retains value by addressing questions beyond science, and by promoting intellectual modesty about the limits of human knowledge.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 The Nature and Value of Philosophy

This segment delves into the controversial nature of defining philosophy, distinguishing it from science based on what is currently known versus what is not. It presents philosophy as a domain of speculation in areas where exact knowledge is unattainable, emphasizing its dynamic nature as it evolves with the growth of scientific understanding. The conversation highlights philosophy's role in fostering speculation beyond the confines of current scientific knowledge, encouraging a broadening of imagination and maintaining a critical stance towards assumed knowledge. It underscores the historical progression from philosophical speculation to scientific verification, illustrated by the atomic hypothesis from Greek philosophy, and discusses philosophy's enduring purpose in expanding our understanding and challenging our convictions.

05:02

🔄 Philosophy's Role in Society and Individual Thought

This paragraph explores the divergent roles and perceptions of philosophy through history, focusing on its shift from understanding the world to influencing moral conduct. It critically examines the contrasting purposes of philosophers, either to uphold or challenge societal norms, with a reflection on Karl Marx's impact. The discussion extends to the personal identity of a philosopher, touching on the avoidance of labels and the significance of analytical methodology. Furthermore, it delves into contemporary philosophical trends, differentiating between English-speaking regions and Continental Europe, and critiques the focus on linguistic analysis over substantive answers. Lastly, it addresses the practical utility of philosophy in aiding individuals to navigate life with conviction amidst uncertainty, highlighting the value of doubt and the importance of acting on probabilities.

10:05

🌱 The Future and Practical Impact of Philosophy

This concluding segment reflects on the diminishing significance of philosophy due to the advancements in science, while still acknowledging its critical role in addressing questions beyond the scope of scientific inquiry. It emphasizes philosophy's contribution to fostering intellectual humility and the recognition of the complexity and uncertainty inherent in understanding the world. The discussion underscores the ongoing need for philosophy to challenge assumptions and stimulate modesty in knowledge claims, pointing out the absence of shortcuts to true understanding. The segment concludes with an optimistic yet realistic view of philosophy's enduring relevance in enriching our intellectual and practical engagement with the world.

Keywords

💡Philosophy

Philosophy is defined in the script as the realm of speculation about matters where exact knowledge is not yet possible. It's highlighted as a field that constantly evolves, transitioning speculations into established scientific knowledge as discoveries are made. The importance of philosophy is portrayed through its role in expanding human imagination beyond current scientific understanding and encouraging speculative thinking about the universe and our place within it.

💡Science

Science is described as the domain of what we know, in contrast to philosophy, which concerns what we do not know. This distinction underscores the dynamic boundary between the two fields, where philosophical questions often become scientific pursuits as knowledge progresses. The script illustrates this through the historical example of the atomic hypothesis, initially a philosophical speculation that later became a cornerstone of modern scientific understanding.

💡Speculation

Speculation is central to the video's theme, serving as the method through which philosophy explores unanswered questions. The script emphasizes the importance of speculation in driving human curiosity and intellectual exploration beyond the current limits of scientific knowledge, fostering a culture of inquiry that challenges the status quo and expands our understanding of the world.

💡Knowledge

Knowledge in the script is portrayed as a fluid concept that transitions from the speculative realm of philosophy to the empirical domain of science. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the provisional nature of what we consider knowledge, advocating for a humble recognition of our intellectual limitations and the ever-expanding boundary of human understanding.

💡Atomic Hypothesis

The atomic hypothesis is used as a prime example of how philosophical speculation can predate and eventually integrate into scientific knowledge. Initially proposed by Democritus as a theory that matter consists of indivisible atoms, it remained speculative for centuries before being confirmed through scientific research, showcasing the progression from philosophical thought to scientific fact.

💡Imagination

Imagination is highlighted as a crucial outcome of engaging with philosophy, enabling individuals to think beyond the confines of current scientific understanding. The script suggests that philosophy fuels imagination by encouraging speculation about the unknown, thus playing a vital role in the intellectual and creative development of humanity.

💡Values

Values are discussed as an area outside the purview of science, where philosophy holds significant importance. The script notes that while science can describe the world as it is, philosophy engages with questions of what ought to be, exploring ethical, moral, and existential issues that science alone cannot address.

💡Linguistic Philosophy

Linguistic philosophy is presented as a contemporary approach that focuses on clarifying the meaning of questions rather than seeking direct answers. This perspective is critiqued in the script for potentially limiting philosophical inquiry, illustrating the ongoing debate within philosophy about its scope and methods.

💡Certainty

The concept of certainty is critically examined, with the script advocating for a stance of intellectual humility. It argues that absolute certainty is an illusion, suggesting that all beliefs should be held with some degree of doubt. This skepticism is framed as a virtue, encouraging vigorous action and decision-making in the face of uncertainty.

💡Continental Philosophy

Continental philosophy is mentioned to highlight the diversity of philosophical traditions and approaches. The script contrasts it with English-speaking analytical philosophy, noting differences in focus, methodology, and thematic concerns. This distinction underscores the rich tapestry of philosophical discourse and its varied contributions to understanding human experience and knowledge.

Highlights

Philosophy involves speculations about matters where exact knowledge is not yet possible.

The difference between philosophy and science is that science is what we know and philosophy is what we don't know.

As knowledge advances, certain topics move from philosophy to science.

Philosophy has two main uses: to keep alive speculation on not yet scientifically understood matters and to expand our imagination beyond current scientific knowledge.

Philosophy also serves to make us aware of our limitations in knowledge and to foster a modest intellectual attitude.

Examples of philosophical speculation leading to scientific discovery include the atomic hypothesis by Democritus.

Philosophy is not just a precursor to science but also addresses questions of values that science cannot answer.

The attitude towards philosophy has evolved, with early emphasis on understanding the world and later focus on morality.

Philosophers are divided into those who uphold the status quo and those who challenge it, with Marx as an example of the latter.

The main trend in English-speaking philosophy is linguistic, focusing on clarifying the meaning of questions rather than answering them.

Continental philosophy is more broad and includes various schools of thought, such as existentialism and apologetics for traditional religion.

The philosophy advocated by Russell aims to enable action with vigor despite uncertainty and to foster a culture of questioning and doubt.

Philosophy encourages acting on probabilities and emphasizes the importance of doubt in fostering intellectual modesty.

The future role of philosophy may be diminished by the advancements of science, but it remains crucial in addressing questions beyond the scope of current scientific understanding.

Philosophy's value lies in its ability to make people more intellectually modest and to remind us of the complexity and uncertainty inherent in understanding the world.

Transcripts

well Russell what is philosopher

well that's very controversial question

I think new to philosophers will give

you the same answer

my own view would be that philosophy

consists of speculations about matters

where exact knowledge is not yet

possible but that will never be my

answer not anybody else's

what's the difference between philosophy

and science yeah we're ruff you say the

science is what we know and philosophy

is what we don't know that's a simple

definition and for that reason the

Christians are perpetually passing over

from philosophy into science has

knowledge advances when something is

established and discovered it ceases to

be philosophy and becomes from yes and

also changes it used to be labeled

philosophy and around the so labeled

what good is an officer I think it also

he has two uses really one of them is to

keep alive speculation about things that

are not yet amenable to scientific

knowledge utter all scientific knowledge

covers a very small part of the things

that interest mankind and ought to

introduce them there are great many

things remains interest about which

science at present veterinary as I say

and I don't want people's imaginations

to be limited and enclosed within what

can be now known and I think to enlarge

your imaginative the purview of the

world into the hypothetical realm is one

of the uses of philosophy but there's

another use which i think is equally

important with

is to show that there are things we

thought we knew and don't know on the

one hand to keep us thinking about

things that we may come to know and on

the other hand to keep us modestly aware

of how much that seemed like knowledge

isn't knowledge could you give some

illustrations of the sorts of subs if it

have been speculated about and then

produced on matera without later yes

it's quite easy to do so especially from

Greek philosophy the Greeks invented the

hood lot of hypotheses which turned out

valuable later but which in their day

couldn't be tested take for example the

atomic hypothesis Democritus invented

the atomic hypothesis that matter

consists of little atoms and after about

two thousand years rather more than that

it turned out that this was the right

scientific view but in his day it was

merely a suggestion but didn't take I

think that Democritus is fairly about

Athens with a lot of noms

pretos horrified by him said only spoke

shortly bread because Plato didn't like

science he liked mathematics but he

didn't like anything else that was

scientific now in this way philosophy is

a sense become the kind of person design

wherein it's perfect

committed of course it didn't only a

servant of science because there are a

number of things that science can't do

with all questions of values for example

science won't tell you what is good what

is bad tell you what is good or bad as

an end not just as a means what changes

are being over the heirs in the attitude

of philosophers and the public to

philosophy with who they're well it

depends upon the school of philosophy

that you're thinking of in Peter and in

Aristotle in those

there was the main thing was an attempt

to understand the world and that I

should say personally is what philosophy

ought to be doing but there then you

come on to the Stoics and their emphasis

was mainly on on morality that you ought

to be sterically want to endure

misfortunes patiently and that came to

be the popular use of a philosopher

would you say that Marx of the

Philosopher's really he was in the

Sidney inoffensive philosopher but now

there you have an important division

among philosophers there are some

philosophers who exist to uphold the

status quo and others who exist to upset

it and marks across belongs to the

second block for my part I should get

both those as being not the true

business or a philosopher and I should

say the be nice or philosophers now to

change the world but to understand it

which is the exact opposite of what

Martha said what kind of a philosopher

would you say you are well the only

label diverges logical a tourist with

very keen on the label I rather avoided

labels I mean a lot of laughter it means

in my mind that the way to get at the

nature of any subject matter you're

looking at is analysis and that you can

analyze until you get to things that

can't be analysed any further and those

would be logical atoms I call them

logical atoms because they're not little

bits of matter there the search speak I

dia out of which the thing is built up

what is the main trend of philosophy

today wherever not have to distinguish

there between english-speaking countries

and cut it into European countries the

trends a much more separate than they

used to be very much more in

english-speaking countries especially in

there is a new philosophy rich as a

reason I think through the desire to

find a separate field for philosophy in

what I was saying a moment ago it would

appear that philosophy is merely

incomplete science and there are people

who don't like that you they want to

have science hemisphere philosophy

hemisphere to itself that has led them

into what you may call linguistic

philosophy that the important thing for

the philosopher is not to answer

questions but to get the meaning of the

questions quite clear

I can't myself agreed to that view would

do I could give an illustration I was

once bicycling to Winchester and I lost

my way and I went to a village shop and

I said can you tell me the shortest way

to Winchester and the man I asked called

to a man in a back region whom I

couldn't see gentleman wants to know the

shortest way to Winchester and the voice

to met Winchester I way to Winchester i

shortest way I don't know so I had to go

on without getting an answer well that

is what upset Joseph II thinks one

should do we get the question right

never mind about the arm

yes it's somebody else's business to

give the answer how does this differ

from the Continental opposed the

Continental approach he said well it's

more for bloodied I don't agree with it

anymore but in a sense it's much more

bloodied and much more like philosophies

of earlier times there are various kinds

as the philosophy comes from killer

guard

realism and then the the philosophies

they designed to provide apologetics for

traditional religion various things that

thought I don't think myself that

there's anything very important in all

that what practical you is your sort of

philosophy to a man who wants to know

how to conduct himself I think many

people write to me saying they're now

completely puzzled as to how they ought

to conduct themselves because they have

ceased to accept the traditional

signpost to right action and don't know

what others to adopt and I think that

the sort of philosophy I believe in is

useful in this way that it enables

people to act with vigor when they're

not absolutely certain that is the right

action

I think nobody should be certain of

anything if you're certain you're

certainly wrong because nothing is a

certainty and so I know who held all

one's beliefs with a certain element of

doubt and when all to be able to act

vigorously in spite of the doubt at all

this is what a general does when he's

planning a battle he doesn't quite know

what the enemy will do but if he's a

good general ekc thread he's a bad

generally is he's wrong

but one has in practical life to act

upon probabilities and what I should

look to philosophy to do is to encourage

people to act with vigor without

complete certainty yes not how about

this business there are from making

people spell uncertain about things

they'd believe and have faith in doesn't

that rather disturb them really it does

for time of course and I think a certain

amount of despair

she's an essential part of mental

training but then if they have any

knowledge of science they get a ballast

which enables them to avoid being

completely upset by the doubts that they

ought to feel what do you think is the

future philosopher

I don't think philosophy can in the

future have anything likely importance

that it had either to the Greeks or in

the Middle Ages patting clear eyes of

science inevitably diminishes the

importance of philosophy well would you

follow the value of philosopher first

because as I say it keeps you realizing

that there are very big very important

questions that science generated present

can't deal with and that a scientific

attitude by itself is not adequate and

the second thing it does is to make

people a little more modest

intellectually and aware little great

many things which have been thought

certain turned out to be untrue and

there's no shortcut to knowledge and

that the understanding of the world

which to my mind is the underlying

purpose that every philosopher should

have that that is a very long and

difficult business about which we ought

not to be dogmatic thank you Laura