The Nobel Prize–winning British scholar offers readers an introduction to philosophy and explores how we acquire knowledge from the world around us.

British philosopher Bertrand Russell believed philosophy was concerned with the universe as a whole. In An Outline of Philosophy, he analyzes the differences between the physical world as defined by modern science and the reality we perceive as humans. He looks at methods of gaining knowledge, learning in infants and animals, as well as the role of linguistic ability. Finally, Russell discusses great philosophers from the past and how some of them might approach the question of humanity’s place in the universe.

Originally published in 1927, An Outline of Philosophy was considered quite controversial. However, Russell was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950 “in recognition of his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought.”

“A book of real value. . . . The writing is nearly always of the delightful clarity that we have learned to expect.” —The Times Literary Supplement

“A book which we cannot afford to miss if we think at all.” —The Spectator

Epistemology