The Value of Philosophy according to Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Russel- A 20th century british philosopher of logic and language who was also a
prominent atheist

Bertrand Russel’s essay The Value of Philosophy is from the final chapter of his piece The
Problems of Philosophy

This short essay defends the values of philosophy and many agreeable points can be found:

1. Philosophy is valuable for its effects on those who study it, it is not valuable for what it
produces - it self cultivates not produces, it aims primarily at knowledge enabling the
cultivation of one’s self.
2. Philosophy sustains a “speculative interest in the universe” - We would not be able to
live if we only asked questions that have answers, we would be missing something but
philosophy provides us that
3. Philosophy raises us above prejudice and self-interest - Philosophy liberates us, it
enlarges us and helps us become better people
4. Engaging in philosophy means you are engaging in contemplation - You are seeking
knowledge for yourself, you try to know the world in order to be united with it, you are not
knowing the world for your own selfish benefit.
5. When a philosopher meets the world, the philosopher changes - you change what you
believe, you change what you value, and you suspend who you are. Not meeting the
world means you are closing yourself from opportunities that make you see greater
things from different perspectives.