Theory of Knowledge: The 1913 Manuscript (Collected Papers of Bertrand Russell)

Theory of Knowledge gives us a picture of one of the great minds of the twentieth century at work. It is possible to see the unsolved problems left without disguise or evasion. Historically, it is invaluable to our understanding of both Russell's own thought and his relationship with Wittgenstein. Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 3 Contents......Page 5 I. BACKGROUND......Page 6 II. CREATION AND CRITICISM......Page 13 III. HARVARD AND PUBLICATION IN "THE MONIST"......Page 19 IV. THE QUESTION OF REVISIONS......Page 26 V. CONCL USION......Page 34 Acknowledgements......Page 37 Chronology: Russell's Life and Writings, I9IO-I8......Page 40 Theory of Knowledge......Page 45 I. On the Nature of Acquaintance......Page 46 1. Preliminary Description of Experience......Page 47 2. Neutral Monism......Page 57 3. Analysis of Experience......Page 75 4. Definitions and Methodological Principles in Theory of Knowledge......Page 87 5. Sensation and Imagination......Page 95 6. On the Experience of Time......Page 106 7. On the Acquaintance Involved in Our Knowledge of Relations......Page 121 8. Acquaintance with Predicates......Page 132 9. Logical Data......Page 139 II. Atomic Propositional Thought......Page 144 1. The Understanding of Propositions......Page 145 2. Analysis and Synthesis......Page 159 3. Various Examples of Understanding......Page 169 4. Belief, Disbelief, and Doubt......Page 176 5. Truth and Falsehood......Page 184 6. Self-Evidence......Page 196 7. Degrees of Certainty......Page 207 Bibliographical Index......Page 219 General Index......Page 229 First published in 1984 as part of The Collected Papers of Bertrand Russell, Theory of Knowledge represents an important addition to our knowledge of Russell's thought. In this work Russell attempts to flesh out the sketch implicit in The Problems of Philosophy. It was conceived by Russell as his next major project after Principia Mathematica and was intended to provide the epistemological foundations for his work. Russell's subsequent difficulties in presenting his theory of knowledge, brought on by what he considered to be devastating criticisms of Wittgenstein, led to both his abandonment of this work and to a major transformation in his thought. Theory of Knowledge, now available for the first time in paperback, gives us a picture of one of the great minds of the twentieth century at work. It is possible to see the unsolved problems left without disguise or evasion. This second edition has retained the full scholarly introduction. The photographs of the manuscript, appendices, and notes on textual matters have been eliminated to provide a concise and accessible guide to understanding both Russell's own thought and his relationship with Wittgenstein This important work was abandoned by Russell under the impact of Wittgenstein's ideas. It was first published in 1984 and is presented here for the first time in a handy student edition, with an introduction by Elizabeth Ramsden Eames. Bertrand Russell ; Edited By Elizabeth Ramsden Eames In Collaboration With Kenneth Blackwell. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 179-188) And Index.