Reflections on Russell

The book contributes some original interpretations on the thought of Bertrand Russell (1872-1970). Instead of dwelling on the purely mathematic logic which tends to be the focus of professional philosophers, it explores Russell’s philosophy, especially his philosophy of science and philosophy of religion. It features some original interpretations of Bertrand Russell’s thoughts and it counters some competing interpretations of his philosophy. Russell could be labeled both a probabilist and empiricist, albeit with critical qualifications. He never left the Pythagorean/Platonic worldview entirely behind. He preferred Spinoza over Locke, and believed that many sciences simply beg questions rather than prove philosophic tenets. Although he rejected spiritualistic metaphysics, he was able to identify some value in George Berkeley’s philosophy. This book shows that Russell developed a philosophy incorporating atheism and spirituality.