A History of Western Philosophy

Which philosopher does Russell admire most, in your reading? Which philosopher’s thought does he think has been the most harmful? Why? Do you agree with his assessments?

What role do Russell’s own biases play in the History? Would the book have been more effective if written with a more neutral authorial stance? Why or why not?

Compare and contrast the Pre-Socratic philosophers with the legacy of the more “metaphysical” philosophers, such as Socrates and Plato. What is the relationship between the two strands of philosophy? Do they oppose or complement one another? How have these two strands of thought influenced later philosophical history?

Russell believes that Romanticism’s emphasis on subjectivity and the self eventually led to the development of anti-liberal political and philosophical systems, such as 20th-century totalitarianism. Do you agree with Russell’s assessment? Why or why not? In what ways, if any, could the more rationalist tradition be interpreted as having influenced totalitarian ideology as well?

Choose two philosophers from different movements and/or time periods that you believe can be linked in some significant way. What are the connections between the two? In what ways do their philosophical ideas complement or challenge one another’s? How do they embody philosophical trends more broadly?

Russell argues that whether or not a philosopher lived up to his/her own ideals can be a significant factor when assessing their personal legacy. Do you agree with Russell’s stance? Why or why not?

Russell regards metaphysical inquiry as a dead end, since it deals in questions that are, Russell asserts, ultimately unanswerable. What role, if any, could metaphysics play in modern philosophy? Do you believe that metaphysics continues to be an important aspect of philosophical inquiry, or is it irrelevant?

Analyze logical positivism, Russell’s preferred school of philosophy. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this philosophical school? Do you agree with Russell’s claim that it is the best form of modern philosophy? Why or why not?