Deck 4: Bertrand Russell: The Value of Philosophy

Question 1

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-According to Russell, philosophy, like all other studies, aims primarily at

A) definitive answers.
B) material goods.
C) scientific certainty.
D) knowledge.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-According to Russell, in philosophy, whenever definite knowledge concerning any subject becomes possible, the subject

A) ceases to be called philosophy and becomes a separate science.
B) ceases to be the focus of study.
C) becomes dogma.
D) becomes a repudiation of philosophy.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-According to Russell, while philosophy diminishes our feeling of certainty as to what things are, it also

A) gives us certain knowledge.
B) increases our knowledge of unfamiliar and liberating possibilities.
C) strengthens the grip of custom and dogmatism.
D) raises no uncomfortable questions.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-To Russell, the chief value of philosophy is to be found through

A) its support of our instinctive wishes.
B) its endorsement of our narrow and personal aims.
C) the greatness of the objects that it contemplates.
D) the greatness of particular times and places.

Question 5

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Russell believes that man is the measure of all things and truth is manmade.

Question 6

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-According to Russell, all acquisition of knowledge is an enlargement of the Self.

Question 7

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Russell says that religious beliefs can be proved by strict demonstration to be true.

Question 8

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Russell says that the freedom and impartiality of philosophical contemplation can imbue our actions and emotions with the same kind of freedom and impartiality.

Question 9

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Russell thinks philosophy is a waste of time.

Question 10

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Russell thinks philosophy can free us from prejudices and narrow-mindedness.

Question 11

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Russell says that philosophy has not had much success in providing definite answers to its questions.

Question 12

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Russell believes that at least some types of philosophy can provide us with demonstrably true answers.

Question 13

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Russell suggests that wise men have found philosophical proofs of religious beliefs.

Question 14

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-The value of philosophy, says Russell, is to be sought in its uncertainty.

Question 15

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Russell thinks philosophy can free us from the tyranny of custom.