CRITICAL APPRECIATION /ANALYSIS

“ON THE VALUE OF SCEPTICISM”

The essay "On the Value of Scepticism" was published in 1950 by Sir Bertrand Russell
(1872-1970), who was and continues to be Britain’s foremost thinker. He was a mathematician,
philosopher, writer, political activist, and visionary. He created many controversies during his
time for his anti-war views, and crusade against the ultra-nationalists and the fanatics. He won
the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950. He is best remembered for his seminal work “Principia
Mathematica’, which he co-authored with Alfred Whitehead. He studied at Trinity College,
Cambridge, and the London School of Economics.
This essay is one of the hall marks of Bertrand Russell. The main argument of this essay is that
skepticism is the only way through which we can find out truth in this world. Skepticism can
promote positivism in life because it allows a logical and objective view of life. Skepticism
broadens the view of the eye and gives the capability to challenge the rights and the wrongs.
Skepticism builds a roadway to rationality which facilitates humans in accomplishing life
goals.
Bertrand Russell's essay "On the value of scepticism" is a defense of the philosophical position
of scepticism, which he argues is a necessary intellectual attitude for maintaining a healthy and
intellectually honest worldview. In this essay, Russell presents several arguments in support of
scepticism and offers an analysis of its value and importance.
Russell in this essay appears as an advocate of scepticism and presents scepticism as a positive
and necessary approach to the world. He notes that skepticism is often seen as a negative
attitude, associated with doubt and disbelief, but argues that this is a misunderstanding of its true
nature. Rather than being a destructive force, skepticism is a constructive and creative approach
that can help us to uncover new truths and ideas.
Russell, at the beginning of his essay, forewarns the readers about his complicated and
revolutionary doctrine and asks for their kind consideration as it has the strength to transform
our social and political systems completely.
Russell is against staunch skepticism where a man never believes any proposition, rather adopts
a moderate position. Russell has recognized the potential dangers of excessive skepticism by
narrating the story of Pyrrho which can lead to indecisiveness. However, he argues that a
moderate form of skepticism, tempered by a commitment to reason and evidence, can help
individuals to develop a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of the world.
Scepticism which Russell set forth is based on three stipulations about when an opinion can or
can’t be held certain. Russell’s’ view of scepticism condemns all three classes of opinions. He
says that rational opinions are dealt with calm and no passion, that’s why it is not listened to by
people as it doesn’t excite the passions of the public, for instance, opinions of experts are rarely
discussed in public with any seriousness, because such opinions are not partisan in nature. They
don’t ignite passions.
All other opinions which are dealt with full passion and zeal have no sufficient grounds and yet
people are ready to argue and willing to fight. Furthermore, sceptics are hated while passionate
holders of erroneous points of view are tolerated.
Russell adopts an empirical approach to find out whether socialism is contrary to European
human nature is to try it. Russell then takes up the subject of marriage customs, which proves to
be very contentious among people. Some consider re-marriage as abhorred-able while others
regard divorce as wicked but none of the countries holding different opinions is concerned with
human happiness.

Russell also seems sceptic about nature of sin that has no objective reality and perception of
sin that alters with geographical boundaries. Therefore, he acclaims the punishments afflicted
upon sinners as unjustified and attacks the so-called self-righteous moralists who via invention
of Hell take relish to punish the sinners considering it a sacred duty performed with a good
conscience.

Russell points out that nationalism is also one of the zealous opinions that is irrational when
people are preached to develop antagonism towards other countries and hatred towards
other people to ensure national security and avoid wars. Only Quakers agree that this method of
preventing wars is disgraceful and someone who suggests other ways to avoid warfare is dealt
with abusive attitude.

Russell exposes the absurdity of extreme nationalism by calling it a kind of lunacy by

comparing a nation’s belief in its own superiority to a lunatic belief that he is the king of
England. This foolish claim, resounding nationalism leaves a country isolated and thus
vulnerable.

Russell is also seen sceptic about the causes of our actions. Biologically every action is
stimulated by instinct, but action can be due to habit if it is learned and practiced daily or it can
be caused by a belief. Russell maintains that if we are encountered with a decision to make our
action is guided by a belief. Russell also makes a compelling case for the practical benefits of
skepticism. He notes that skepticism can help us to avoid errors and to make better decisions,
and that it can help us to avoid being deceived by false claims and propaganda. By questioning
our assumptions and beliefs, we can gain a clearer and more accurate understanding of the world
around us.
Russell tends to ridicule the English-speaking countries who have accustomed to
“irrationalizing” to pursue their own material and selfish desires by employing lofty phrases
proclaiming their selfless spirit to ensure public good but in fact, they are just justifying their
selfish acts in disguise of rationalizing.
Russell argues that shrewdness belongs more to the unconscious part of our nature. He says
that this shrewdness is the main quality for the success of business. He says it is good from a
business perspective but from the moral perspective it is selfish.
He then taunts the ordinary methods of education which have no effect upon the unconscious,
so that shrewdness cannot be taught by our present technique.
He also suggests that morality cannot be taught by present methods. He thinks that people should
be made shrewd by intellectual means. He then says that he does not know how teach
shrewdness, but he knows to teach them to be rational. By rationality he means a scientific habit
of mind in forecasting the effects of our actions.
Russell establishes that scepticism or rationality shouldn’t govern life in its entirety. There are
certain limits and the extent to which scepticism operate shouldn’t encroach upon affairs of
life such as love, joy, and artistic activity as Leibniz conduct of rationality is disliked by
Russell as it is contrary to his instinct of attraction.
In the end, Russell introduces a new morality which he calls “true morality” in contrast to
conventional morality which is based on the realization that other humans are a help, not a
hindrance. This ideal morality can be achieved if we pursue our own happiness rather than
misery of others. In this way our barren Earth would turn into garden of Eden.
Finally, the essay is well-written and engaging, with clear and concise arguments that are easy
to follow. Russell's prose is lucid, elegant, and persuasive, and his use of examples and
anecdotes helps to bring his arguments to life. Russell often adopts question-answer techniques
to get his readers involved. Occasionally, he becomes personal in order to support an argument.
Sometimes, he makes use of an analogy to emphasize an idea. Nor the touches of humor and
irony lacking in his essay.
Overall, "On the Value of Scepticism" is a thoughtful and thought-provoking essay that
makes a strong case for the importance of skepticism in our lives. Russell's arguments are
convincing, and his emphasis on the positive benefits of skepticism is refreshing and
enlightening. Bertrand Russell's essay remains relevant today due to its insightful discussion of
the importance of skepticism in our lives. In the essay, Russell argues that skepticism is an
essential tool for thinking critically and making informed decisions, and that it is important
to question our assumptions and beliefs.