(Originally written September 23, 2005 in Book 2)
The Problems of Philosophy
Bertrand Russell
1912
Chapter 14: The limits of Philosophical knowledge
Attempting to obtain knowledge of the universe through metaphysics, proving the fundamental dogmas of religion through a priori knowledge and using the laws of logic to state such and such a thing must exist and such and such a thing cannot exist is all in vain. These proofs cannot stand up to a critical scrutiny.
Philosophical and scientific knowledge are basically the same. All knowledge depends upon some a priori knowledge, usually some pure empirical knowledge.
Criticism sets philosophy apart from science.
Criticism examines science and daily life for inconsistencies. It allows us to accept knowledge or beliefs only when "no reason for rejecting them has appeared" (Russell, 149-150).
Pure skepticism is irrational and cannot be refuted by any logical argument. It is destructive and assumes no knowledge can be obtained. Philosophy should use Descartes' methodical doubt principle in being skeptical.
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