In The Value of Philosophy, Bertrand Russell reflects on the significance of philosophy as a field of study for humanity as a whole. One of the important aspects of his work is highlighting that philosophy does not aim at gaining definite answers and concentrates on the ability and process of questioning things (Russell 1). Furthermore, Russell accentuates the importance of intellectual freedom from the limitations of being sure, which holds a person enclosed in their cultural reality (Russell 3). Finally, the author underlines that the primary purpose of philosophy is to make the human mind a greater part of the universe through contemplation since the comprehension of its immensity and wholeness changes one into an individual within the totality of all (Russell 2). Thus, Russell covers his understanding of the genuine purpose and meaning of philosophy, establishing its value.
It is essential to understand what Russell means by the wholeness of the universe through contemplation since he posits it as the most valuable advantage of philosophy. The terms that he uses for this idea are “impartiality” and “unity” along with “wholeness,” which leads to “liberation” and “citizenship of the universe” (Russell 3). One might think that philosophical inquiry alienates individuals from others since Russel states that practical persons tend to restrain from the questions that make them uncertain. It is, thus, questioned whether philosophy truly brings wholeness into one’s life yet departs them from humans and culture.
This question can be answered through the comprehension of the previously mentioned terms and the argument that Russell presented. Namely, liberation comes from one’s ability to contemplate apart from the temporal customs of their fears and expectations; this implies an observation process that makes people consider phenomena from a perspective that is not centered around humans. At this point, a person can get closer to the universal knowledge, which consists not only of human affairs. Thus, this individual becomes more united with the universe by observing its parts from another view. Moreover, this process does not suppose a constant residence in one mental state, apart from humanity; its meaning is the contrast between the mundane and the universal. Thus, philosophy through contemplation does not alienate persons from others; instead, it allows a possibility to widen their knowledge and be closer to wholeness.
Work Cited
Russell, Bertrand. The Value of Philosophy. Manchester University, 2021, Web.