Question 1

Russell says, "The value of philosophy is, in fact, to be sought largely in its very uncertainty. The man who has no tincture of philosophy goes through life imprisoned in the prejudices derived from common sense, from the habitual beliefs of his age or his nation, and from convictions which have grown up in his mind without the co-operation or consent of his deliberate reason." Why does Russell use the term "uncertainty" here? Do you agree with Russell? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

Russell uses the term "uncertainty" to highlight the idea that philosophy challenges and questions the established beliefs and prejudices that individuals hold. By embracing uncertainty, individuals are able to critically examine their beliefs and open themselves up to new perspectives and ideas. Russell believes that without the influence of philosophy, individuals are confined to the limitations of their own narrow-mindedness and are unable to think critically and independently.

I agree with Russell's perspective on the value of philosophy. Philosophy encourages individuals to question and challenge their beliefs, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world. Embracing uncertainty allows for the exploration of new ideas and the development of critical thinking skills. Without philosophy, individuals may remain trapped in their own biases and prejudices, hindering their ability to think rationally and objectively. Therefore, I believe that the value of philosophy lies in its ability to foster uncertainty and encourage individuals to think beyond their preconceived notions.

Question 2

Russell says, "The value of philosophy is, in fact, to be sought largely in its very ___________. The man who has no tincture of philosophy goes through life imprisoned in the prejudices derived from common sense, from the habitual beliefs of his age or his nation, and from convictions which have grown up in his mind without the co-operation or consent of his deliberate reason."

Accepted Answer

A)   uncertainty
B)   certainty
C)   existence
D)   reputation A

Question 3

Russell says, "It is exclusively among the goods of the mind that the value of philosophy is to be found; and only those who are not indifferent to these goods can be persuaded that the study of philosophy is not a waste of time." Do you agree with Russell? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

I agree with Russell to some extent. The value of philosophy can certainly be found in the goods of the mind, such as critical thinking, self-reflection, and the pursuit of knowledge and truth. Philosophy can also help us make sense of the world and our place in it, and can lead to personal and intellectual growth.

However, I also believe that the value of philosophy extends beyond just the goods of the mind. Philosophy can have practical applications in fields such as ethics, politics, and decision-making. It can also help us grapple with existential questions and find meaning in our lives.

Ultimately, whether or not the study of philosophy is a waste of time depends on the individual and their values. For those who are not indifferent to the goods of the mind, as Russell says, the study of philosophy can be incredibly valuable. But for others, it may not hold the same significance.

Question 4

Russell says, "It is exclusively among the idols of the marketplace that the value of philosophy is to be found; and only those who are not indifferent to these goods can be persuaded that the study of philosophy is not a waste of time."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Russell says, "Philosophy is to be studied, not for the sake of any definite answers to its questions, since no definite answers can, as a rule, be known to be true, but rather for the sake of ..."

Accepted Answer

A)   humanity.
B)   our sanity.
C)   future generations.
D)   the questions themselves.

Question 6

Russell says, "All acquisition of knowledge is an enlargement of the ________, but this enlargement is best attained when it is not directly sought. It is obtained when the desire for knowledge is alone operative, by a study which does not wish in advance that its objects should have this or that character."

Accepted Answer

A)   Body
B)   Universe
C)   Self
D)   Unknown

Question 7

Explain Russell's meaning when he says, "All acquisition of knowledge is an enlargement of the Self, but this enlargement is best attained when it is not directly sought. It is obtained when the desire for knowledge is alone operative, by a study which does not wish in advance that its objects should have this or that character."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain Russell's meaning when he says, "All...

Question 8

According to Russell, "The idealistic man, as this word is often used, is one who recognizes only material needs, who realizes that men must have food for the body, but is oblivious of the necessity of providing food for the mind."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

Russell says, "It is exclusively among the ___________________ that the value of philosophy is to be found; and only those who are not indifferent to these goods can be persuaded that the study of philosophy is not a waste of time."

Accepted Answer

A)   goods of the body
B)   goods of the mind
C)   idols of the marketplace
D)   idols of religion

Question 10

Explain Russell's meaning when he says, "If the study of philosophy has any value at all for others than students of philosophy, it must be only indirectly, through its effects upon the lives of those who study it. It is in these effects, therefore, if anywhere, that the value of philosophy must be primarily sought." Do you agree with Russell?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain Russell's meaning when he says, "If...

Question 11

Russell says, "Philosophy is to be studied, not for the sake of any definite answers to its questions, since no definite answers can, as a rule, be known to be true, but rather for the sake of the questions themselves."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

Russell says, "The value of philosophy is, in fact, to be sought largely in its very uncertainty. The man who has no tincture of philosophy goes through life imprisoned in the prejudices derived from common sense, from the habitual beliefs of his age or his nation, and from convictions which have grown up in his mind without the co-operation or consent of his deliberate reason."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Russell says, "All acquisition of knowledge is an enlargement of the Self, but this enlargement is best attained when it is not directly sought. It is obtained when the desire for knowledge is alone operative, by a study which does not wish in advance that its objects should have this or that character."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

What does Russell mean when he says, "Philosophic contemplation does not, in its widest survey, divide the universe into two hostile camps-friends and foes, helpful and hostile, good and bad-it views the whole impartially."

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does Russell mean when he says,...

Question 15

Russell says, "the fact that, as soon as definite knowledge concerning any subject becomes possible, this subject ceases to be called philosophy, and becomes a separate science."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

According to Russell, "Hence also the restricted mind will value more the abstract and universal knowledge into which the accidents of private history do not enter, than the knowledge brought by the senses, and dependent, as such knowledge must be, upon an exclusive and personal point of view and a body whose sense-organs distort as much as they reveal."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

According to Russell, "Hence also the free intellect will value more the abstract and universal knowledge into which the accidents of private history do not enter, than the knowledge brought by the senses, and dependent, as such knowledge must be, upon an exclusive and personal point of view and a body whose sense-organs distort as much as they reveal." Do you agree with Russell? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Russell, "Hence also the free...

Question 18

According to Russell, "The _________man, as this word is often used, is one who recognizes only material needs, who realizes that men must have food for the body, but is oblivious of the necessity of providing food for the mind."

Accepted Answer

A)   practical
B)   religious
C)   idealistic
D)   anarchistic

Question 19

According to Russell, "The practical man, as this word is often used, is one who recognizes only material needs, who realizes that men must have food for the body, but is oblivious of the necessity of providing food for the mind." Do you agree with Russell? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Russell, "The practical man, as...

Question 20

Russell says, "the fact that, as soon as definite knowledge concerning any subject becomes possible, this subject ceases to be called philosophy, and becomes a separate science." What examples does Russell give in support of this claim? Can you think of other examples?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Russell says, "the fact that, as soon...

Exam 11: Bertrand Russell the Value of Philosophy

Russell says, "It is exclusively among the goods of the mind that the value of philosophy is to be found; and only those who are not indifferent to these goods can be persuaded that the study of philosophy is not a waste of time." Do you agree with Russell? Explain your answer.

Russell says, "It is exclusively among the idols of the marketplace that the value of philosophy is to be found; and only those who are not indifferent to these goods can be persuaded that the study of philosophy is not a waste of time."

Russell says, "Philosophy is to be studied, not for the sake of any definite answers to its questions, since no definite answers can, as a rule, be known to be true, but rather for the sake of ..."

According to Russell, "The idealistic man, as this word is often used, is one who recognizes only material needs, who realizes that men must have food for the body, but is oblivious of the necessity of providing food for the mind."

Russell says, "It is exclusively among the ___________________ that the value of philosophy is to be found; and only those who are not indifferent to these goods can be persuaded that the study of philosophy is not a waste of time."

Russell says, "Philosophy is to be studied, not for the sake of any definite answers to its questions, since no definite answers can, as a rule, be known to be true, but rather for the sake of the questions themselves."

What does Russell mean when he says, "Philosophic contemplation does not, in its widest survey, divide the universe into two hostile camps-friends and foes, helpful and hostile, good and bad-it views the whole impartially."

Russell says, "the fact that, as soon as definite knowledge concerning any subject becomes possible, this subject ceases to be called philosophy, and becomes a separate science."

According to Russell, "The _________man, as this word is often used, is one who recognizes only material needs, who realizes that men must have food for the body, but is oblivious of the necessity of providing food for the mind."

According to Russell, "The practical man, as this word is often used, is one who recognizes only material needs, who realizes that men must have food for the body, but is oblivious of the necessity of providing food for the mind." Do you agree with Russell? Explain your answer.

Russell says, "the fact that, as soon as definite knowledge concerning any subject becomes possible, this subject ceases to be called philosophy, and becomes a separate science." What examples does Russell give in support of this claim? Can you think of other examples?