The Problems of Philosophy Kindle Edition

Thought-provoking survey of perception. Enjoyed reading it from start to end. The author attempted to describe problems that philosophy attempted to solve. It was a great summary of some primary hurdles that emerged in the modern philosophy. Somehow I found myself in a debate about the final chapter that berated men as "food for the body" rather than "food for the mind." Russell went to great lengths in discussing how philosophy once has discovered things that are no longer a philosophical point. He then concluded that philosophy should pursue a certain good, which is contradictory to the inherent concept of philosophy. However, this is a great book. It is a food for the brain. Highly recommended to those who long to dive into the philosophical dimensions of its perceptions. Great book!

Bertrand Russell introduces the reader to the subject of philosophy in this book. He does not simply talk about philosophical "problems" in the manner of an introductory textbook. Instead, he critically explores areas of controversy among philosophers. His method is to break down "propositions" (big unanswered questions) into their underlying assumptions, test their validity from various perspectives (e.g. a priori, existential, rational), then build back up to a conclusion, all in the same manner of thinking used by professionals in the field.Russell's writing stands out for its clarity and logical flow. Even so, this is a difficult book to understand on first reading for one with no background in the subject. I found myself rereading sections often to grasp the detailed flow of arguments. At times I wondered "why bother" with such detail about a matter that seems like common sense. Yet in the final analysis, one ends up understanding that "obvious" fact of life in greater depth and with higher confidence than before. For example, to explore the question, "how can we know what is true," Russell first explores "what is truth" and "what is falsehood." Once established, delving into beliefs and the nature of knowledge simplifies.The final chapter is the best. Russell presents his views on why the study of philosophy is worthwhile, namely, to free your mind from the strictures of conformity, social norms, false assumptions and limited thinking. This chapter is the reader's reward for ploughing through the rest of the book, and it is definitely a worthwhile journey.The appendix lists a few ideas for further reading. These resources tie into material by philosophers that Russell discusses throughout the text. He advocates learning philosophy by reading original materials, not texts or books "about" philosophy. Having digested this much information about the subject, presented by one of the great philosophers, Bertrand Russell, I am eager to read more. As far as an Amazon rating goes, I deduct one star over the lack of chapter summaries and introductions, for the lay reader, that might make this a more interesting and memorable read for non-philosophers. Do not let that dissuade you from reading this book; if you are reading this review you likely have enough interest in the subject to make "The Problems of Philosophy" very interesting to you. Enjoy!

The great thing about Philosophy is so many people will disagree with my next statement. BERTRAND RUSSEL IS THE GREATEST PHILOSOPHER EVER. His influence upon the new philosophical "movement's", and derivatives of pre existing schools of thought can be best summed up by far less literary motivated brother when he proselytizes before the "ROCK GOD" altar that Led Zeppelin has influenced the Rock and Roll Genre and it's many sub genres more so than any other. I too must agree with both of these assumptions. Here is the kicker though that might seal my Insanity in the reader of this review's eyes. I find my self disagreeing with many of his precepts and what I have labeled as Dogmatic reasoning due to his detesting of Christianity seems more to do with an over zealous Bible "feelings" into argumentative material. For this I will forever be the student he never knew, but I would like to think, intended to touch us all.

A good introduction to what the objective and obstacles are in becoming familiar with the study of philosophy. This book is clearly written and tries its best to avoid complicating a matter which self-admitted can be quite convoluted. If I can sum up in one phrase is that it tries to use the principle of "Ockham's Razor" to shed light on a matter that though very broad is not easy to address. It is as enlightening to a beginner as well as one well versed in the subject.

Russell writes a great dissection of the things we take for granted in our world without getting absurd. Informative and interesting although can be slow going at times. Fans will enjoy this!