Summary
Bertrand Russell's "Our Knowledge of the External World" argues for a reconstruction of our understanding of the external world, acknowledging the challenges posed by philosophical skepticism. Russell aims to establish a foundation for knowledge of physical reality that is consistent with empirical data while addressing the logical issues arising from our sensory experiences. The book seeks to bridge the gap between direct sensory experience and the inferred existence of an external world.
This work is presented as culturally important, contributing to the knowledge base of civilization. As a reproduced artifact, it maintains fidelity to the original, offering historical context through copyright references and library stamps. Its availability in the public domain signifies its preservation and accessibility as a significant historical piece within philosophy.
Key concepts
- Knowledge of the External World — The book's central focus on how humans understand and verify the existence of a reality beyond their immediate perceptions.
- Philosophical Skepticism — The implicit challenge of doubt and uncertainty regarding the possibility of certain knowledge, which the book attempts to address.
- Empirical Data — Information derived from sensory experience, forming a basis for constructing knowledge about the external world.
- Reconstruction of Understanding — Russell's project to rebuild our conception of the external world in a logically sound manner.
From the book
Description: This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor…
Snippet: This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
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