'Is there any knowledge in the world which is so certain
that no reasonable man could doubt it?'
Philosophy is
the attempt to answer such ultimate questions, not carelessly and
dogmatically, as we might deal with them in ordinary life, but
critically, after analysing how and why the questions arise and
clarifying the assumptions and concepts on which they are based.
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This classic work, first published in 1912, has never been
supplanted as an approachable introduction to the theory of
philosophical enquiry. It gives Russell's views on such subjects as
the distinction between appearance and reality, the existence and
nature of matter, idealism, knowledge by acquaintance and by
description, induction, and the limits and value of philosophical
knowledge.
This edition includes an introduction by John
Skorupski contextualizing Russell's work, and a guide to further
reading.