Philosophy Paper

The length of the essay is 1500 words, not counting the references.

1. Russell claims that philosophy diminishes our certainty about our answers to certain types of questions (Chapter 15 “The value of philosophy”, Problems of Philosophy). These include questions such as “Has the universe any unity of plan or purpose, or is it a fortuitous concourse of atoms?”

Explain what Russell means when he says of philosophy, that “while diminishing our feeling of certainty as to what things are, it greatly increases our knowledge as to what they may be”. Do you agree with Russell that philosophical activity can both diminish certainty and increase knowledge? Provide reasons for your answer (you may use examples in your discussion).

Reference: Russell “The value of Philosophy” Problems of Philosophy.