Review of Philosophy

Abstract

Reviews the book, Philosophy by Bertrand Russell. According to the reviewer, behavioristic psychology is applied here by Mr. Bertrand Russell to the solution of psychological and philosophical problems. The behavioristic approach is employed to the point where it breaks down and beyond that the author resorts to the introspective method. Behaviorism is recognized not only as a psychology but it is repeatedly referred to as a philosophy and a metaphysic. The book is divided into four parts. After an introductory chapter on "Philosophic Doubts" in which the defects of cocksureness, vagueness and self-contradictoriness are cited as common intellectual weaknesses to be overcome by philosophy, the author devotes Part I to a treatment of "Man From Without." Part II is a discussion of "The Physical World" and Part III is a study of "Man from Within." Lastly, Part IV in five chapters under the caption "The Universe" is given to problems of logic, metaphysics, and an attempt to indicate "Man's Place in the Universe." The reviewer states that every chapter of this clearly written book bristles with thought provoking questions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)