Basic Writings from Being and Time (1927

Routledge is committing ethical if not legal fraud. My father was the co-editor of this book and wrote the introduction, the chapter introductions, made the selections, etc. All in close concert with Bertrand Russell himself. It is a DISGRACE his credits on this book are being lost to history thanks to this devious and rotten firm,

Bertrand Russell is an exceptionally deep and multifaceted thinker. Having written comprehensively on an rich number of subjects and having added new and profound thoughts to so many well known topics, Russell never disappoints critical thinkers with an open mind. This work consists of several of Russell's writings on a number of topics. Ranging from thoughts on life, language, mathematics, politics, economics, and world affairs, there is something for every intellectual in this collection. There is no way for a mere reviewer to competently convey the essence of Russell's thoughts. I can only add that if you enjoy philosophy, if you respect the deep thinkers of our times, and if you read with an open mind, you will enjoy The Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell.

A very consise compilation of Russell's writings. A must have for those who wish to explore his ouvre.

A collection of samples of the extensive writings of Nobel Laureate Lord Bertrand Russell. Wherein we see Lord Russell lay waste to his adversaries in Philosophy, Politics, Science and almost every other discipline that might be called scholarly much the same way as Alexander The Great lay waste to foreign armies. Effortlessly. Such were the destructive powers of Russell's arguments and such were the destructive powers of Alexander's forces. Both conquerors thereby establishing their respective "dominions". The first his dominion in having superior knowledge, superior powers of reasoning and therefore being able to create political pressure in a century of great political and social instability. The later complete rule over humanity. But despite the apparent difference there seems to me to be a parallel. That is what makes his writings exciting. He is able to vanquish opposing arguments of course using his superior logic which is based on mathematics and his insistence on dispensing with what he considers to be the opposing side's meaningless terms. (And if he doesn't like what they have to say he simply omits them. See "A History of Western Philosophy" where he categorically omits Kierkegaard and others ) As well Russell will use the sciences such as physics as guiding principles for his Philosophical speculations. For example making references to Quantum Mechanics and Relativity. His knowledge is encyclopedic. His particularly favorite quarry are politicians and philosophers who it seems to him are arbitrarily "fabricating the truth" or on the other hand "running" from it. A prime example is Dewey. He goes after Dewey like a cranky female cheetah after an impala on a hot day in Kenya! It is interesting to note that many of his predictions made in his "open letters" to leaders of governments written and published in the 1950's actually came to fruition in the 1960's. As a political force for social change he was definitely in his "prime" during the Cold War and greatly feared. Few dared to take him on in a one-to-one debate. They would have had too much to lose. Southern Jameson West p.s. historians of debate take note: was there ever a debate between Russell and William F. Buckley? that would have been one to savor.

The collection is generally good and varied, the print is OK, but they didn't include the famous and VERY basic "On Denoting" in it! I think it's unbearable!

I picked up this book by pure happenstance from a friends book collection and have found it to be entertaining and enlightening. I have long been trying to figure out my view of the world and my philosophical standpoint in general and this is the first book I have really been able to connect with. Many sections of the book deal with Russell's search for his own understanding of the world and I especially connected with his time at University. I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone either looking for understanding of their own life or interested in one of the greatest modern philosophers.