The Value Of Philosophy According To Socrates And Bertrand Russell

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March 1, 2013 Philosophy According to Socrates and Bertrand Russell Socrates in Plato’s Apology and Bertrand Russell in “The Value of Philosophy” both agree that the nature of philosophy is that knowledge is to be sought, but at the same time that we may never have true knowledge. To prove this, I will explain what philosophy does and how does philosophy benefit the individual and society as a whole, according to Socrates and Russell. I will also give my own examples of how philosophical thinking can benefit an individual and its society. “The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell begins by explaining that sciences like physical science, or mathematics are useful to all people, even people who are ignorant of these sciences, and they are recommended not only because of the effect to the student or person that has to study it, but because of its effect to mankind in general(p.18). However, this would not apply to philosophy because, if philosophy has any…show more content…
Russell says that the value of philosophy must be primarily sought (p.18). According to Bertrand Russell, “Philosophy aims primarily at knowledge, the kind which results from a critical examination of the grounds of our convictions, prejudices and beliefs (Perry, John, Michael Bratman, and John M. Fischer, p.18).” It cannot be said that philosophy has had a very great success in its attempts to provide definite answers to its questions. Although philosophy is unable to tell us with certainty what is the true answer to the doubts which it raises, “Philosophy is able to suggest many possibilities which enlarge our thoughts and free them from the tyranny of custom.

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