The Problems of Philosophy

By: Bertrand Russell

Narrated by: Cate Barratt

Russell's The Problems of Philosophy, first published in 1912, is both a primer for the philosophy-curious and the practicing philosopher. He introduces his readers to his thoughts on the difference between knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description, and asks the question: If we cannot be certain that external objects exist, how can we then have knowledge of them but by probability? There is no reason to doubt the existence of external objects simply because of sense data.

Russell also introduces the key theories of several of the world's philosophers, such as Plato, Descartes, Kant, and Hegel in his effort to lay the groundwork for philosophical inquiry.

Public Domain (P)2020 Cate Barratt

Introduction to basic applications of philosophy.

Lessons on applying philosophical methods to basic questions in ordinary life, such as evaluating statements, different sources of knowledge, such as sensory experience, logical principles, opinion vs. fact. descriptions, etc.. How to sort out what you know and don't know about a subject.