Week 1 Notes:

The following notes are highlights from the above chapter. They are neither intended to replace the lectures and text, nor to substitute for a reading of the text. Lectures will add to and supplement material given here. In order to do well in this class, it is recommended that you review these notes to identify main ideas after having attended class.

Reading philosophical essays is more challenging in that you often have to scan once, read once, and review once before you can adequately explain the author's position. In order to be sure that you are receiving maximum benefit from your time spent studying, try to answer the guide questions posed below. If you cannot answer them, it is time to read or review to be sure you understand the main arguments presented.

What is philosophy?

Philosophy is the study of ideas. In a broad sense we always divide the study of Western philosophy into three areas: axiology (ethics), epistemology, and metaphysics. Since our course is an upper level survey, we'll be looking at all three areas throughout the course of the semester. The three subject areas are closely related and it is hardly possible to study one area without hitting on questions that apply to another.

For this week I chose Russell's essay entitled "Philosophy for Laymen." I like the article because it provides a practical introduction to 20th century philosophy as well as a concrete consideration of the relation between the subject matter of philosophy and real life.

Latest Links ò

More Russell essays and links: this site provides a good overview of Russell's work.

The Russell site from ErracticImpact: this site has resources to satisfy even the most devout analytic philosopher.

Guide Questions:

The following questions are designed to fine tune your understanding of the reading. Although I will not collect or check to see if you've completed them, the subject matter and answers to these questions form the basis of what you will be required to know for exams.

Russell claims that academic philosophy has lost touch with the public.(2) How does he suggest philosophy be integrated with academic education at all levels?
What are the two aims/objects of philosophy?
How does philosophical reasoning differ from general science inquiry and what is the utility of theoretical philosophy according to Russell?
Describe the dangers of dogmatism that Russell lists as threats to a spirit of inquiry and peace.
Why is skepticism useless?
How should one act when operating from an uncertain hypothesis? What are the implications for acts that may cause harm?
Russell lists three major directives for someone who is trying to lead a philosophical life. What are they?
How would ethical teachings differ for modern times?
What are the intellectual virtues and why are they important?
What is the value of philosophy for laymen?

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Last Updated 04 March, 2000 08:49 PM

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