Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Russell

1. Bertrand Russell ’s Philosophy Touqeer Raza

2. Bertrand Russell 1872-1970

3. B. Russell sprouts Born:  18 May 1872,  Trellech Died:  2 February 1970,  Penrhyndeudraeth , United Kingdom Spouse:  Edith Finch Russell (m. 1952–1970),  Education:  Trinity College, Cambridge (1890–1895), University of Cambridge

4. Early career Taught German Social Democracy at the London School of Economics Russell's paradox The Principles of Mathematics Principia Mathematica

5. Family life Married four times Had three children He and his wife sooner became the legal guardians of three of his grand daughters

6. Death Died of influenza in   2 February 1970 No religious ceremony Ashes scattered over the Welsh mountains

7. Bertrand Russell ’s Philosophy Russell's represent the spirit of the modern philosophical thought which has revolutionized the previous concepts regarding every walk of life. Russell's contribution to the philosophy is greater than any other intellectual of his age. His love for logic, mathematics and philosophy lead him to adopt the rational, practical, radical, and skeptical vision of life. He not only evaluates the contemporary philosophies but also gives his own view of life and thing in the world. As a philosopher, he blazes at the vast firmament of literature; like a bright star, reediting the rays of his own learning. He was a skeptic and practical type of philosopher. His essays are replete with practical wisdom and excellently conceived and marvelously expressed ideas.

8. Russell's point of view about philosophy is quite different from the other philosophers. "Russell's belongs to the skeptical tradition of the 18th century." It means that his philosophy is skeptical. Russell can b easily termed as a skeptic philosopher due to his instinctive capability not to believe in anything. He believed that everything should be judged on rational grounds. For this purpose, he asserted the acquisition of scientific and mathematical knowledge. He says that one good belief is that; "Which is guided by knowledge and inspired by love." This skeptical approach led him to develop a liberal Outlook regarding every walk of life

9. RUSSELL’S PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Logic is the cornerstone of Russell’s philosophy .he has revised his views on ethics , metaphysics, nature, etc . in the light of his personal experiences from time to time . He does not like his philosophy to be placed in the category of idealism or realism . He likes it to be classed in logical atomism . He thinks that one can realise the basic reality of a thing through logical analysis . He gives place both to philosophy & mathematics in his philosophical thinking. He is an outstanding philosopher & reformer & emphasises the importance of creative attitude . He is profoundly interested in the basic problems of human beings . In facts, he has sacrificed his entire life for the welfare of mankind . His vehement protest against nuclear weapons & wars in the world is an eloquent testimony to this . He was subjected himself to many hardships & sufferings on account of his unflinching adherence to his views. Western Philosophy is based on individualism, logical and analytical thinking and conflict resolution.

10. Basis of Philosophical Analysis of Bertrand Russell Metaphysics (Reality)-Parental Branch of Knowledge:- (quest for truth or reality) -matter & nature are real -mind & idea are real Epistemology (Knowledge)-Heart & Centre of Philosophy:- (knowledge, awareness, the reality) -Universe is intelligence; emphasis on soul is more & less on body -Science is knowledge -Knowledge may differ according to people’s thought

11. Axiology(Values)-Truth, beauty or goodness:- (Values of human beings) -Things we value ;( emotions, attitude, sentiments, desirable feelings are realities) -Ethical, Moral Aesthetic, social & religious.   Logic (Pure mental process) : -(Inductive-deductive thinking) -Plato is man, Plato is mortal, All men are mortal requires logic to understand.

12. EDUCATIONAL THOUGHTS (PHILOSOPHY) OF RUSSELL

13. Russell’s principles of education are based on his knowledge of human psychology particularly child psychology. Russell maintains that the first six years of child’s life are very important from the point of view of development. By six years of age all those important traits come up in children which form their future personality. Curiosity- Curiosity is an instinct. It is the basis of mental development and acquisition of knowledge. The mental development of the child is not possible in the absence of curiosity. The teacher should try to create curiosity in the child and give it a right direction and do it utmost to satisfy it. Other virtues will follow automatically .   Faith in acquisition of knowledge- Faith in acquisition of knowledge is an important step towards acquiring knowledge. Russell urges that this faith must be created in the child. PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION:-

14. Freedom from prejudice- A person should be open minded i.e., he should be free from prejudice. If he does not have this quality he cannot satisfy his thirst for knowledge. Therefore, open-mindedness is necessary for acquiring knowledge. This quality exists in all those persons who have thirst for knowledge. Exactness- Russell recognises the importance of exactness in the process of learning. Devotion to truth may be guessed through the degree of exactness which a person manifests in his behaviour. Therefore, the quality of exactness should be developed in children. Confidence- According to Russell, confidence is essential for the acquisition of knowledge. The confidence helps in making the child active for getting knowledge. Nothing in the world can be achieved without confidence and efforts. Therefore, it is necessary to develop confidence in the child.

15. AIMS OF EDUCATION:- According to Russell, the aim of education is to develop individuality of the child in such a way that he may adopt himself to the human society. Education should be according to the interest and aptitude of students. His aims of education relate to the duties of teacher. The teacher should strive for inculcating four fundamental qualities as the basis of formation of character. The inculcation of these following qualities is the fundamental aim of education:-

16. STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION:- Russell’s concept of structure of education is very comprehensive. He gave a detailed account of child’s education from early childhood up to university level along with curriculum at various stages of education.