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Born
Although being born into nobility, Bertrand Russell, throughout his life, championed a political outlook which embraced ideas of social equality. -
Publishes The Principles of Mathematics
A prelude to Russell's later work with A.N. Whitehead, this text takes a philosophical look at the logical structure of mathematics, the backbone of much of the scientific work being done around this time. -
Publishes "On Denoting"
This highly influential text is still a source of discussion today in the philosophy of language. -
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Publishes Principia Mathematica (in three volumes)
Co-authored with Alfred North Whitehead, and building on the work of Gottlob Frege, the Principia represents the most polished attempt in the daunting project of placing mathematics on a firm logical foundation, a task of importance to science, given the ever increasing reliance on mathematics to give descriptions of the physical world. -
Publishes Problems of Philosophy
This is a great introductory text covering a full range of philosophical issues. Russell's lucid style makes the subject of philosophy accessible and enjoyable to any interested reader. -
Publishes Our Knowledge of the External World as a Field for Scientific Method in Philosophy
Russell had much to say on scientific matters. A brief and illuminating discussion of his views on the relationship of philosophy to science is given in the following interview with Russell himself: Lord Bertrand Russell Discusses Philosophy (1960) -
Publishes The ABC of Atoms
A philosophical investigation of the theory of atomic structure. -
Publishes The ABC of Relativity
A description of Einstein's theory of relativity and its philosophical import. -
Publishes A History of Western Philosophy
This a very worthwhile read for anyone with an interest in history or philosophy. In this thorough treatment, Russell not only outlines the development of western philosophy, but takes a deep look at the historical context in which the major (and many lesser) players developed their philosophies. He, additionally, gives interesting biographical information about individual philosophers and offers insightful analysis of their thinking. -
Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature
Beyond his significant contributions to philosophy itself, Russell is distinguished among philosophers for being a very talented writer. He wrote on a broad range of issues, not confining himself to the technical and abstruse, and produced a prolific body of work, much of which can be enjoyed by those with no philosophical background. -
Dies
Bertrand Russell's storied career has had an enduring impact on philosophy and philosophers of science like W.V. Quine: “I think many of us were drawn to our profession by Russell’s books. He wrote a spectrum of books for a graduated public, layman to specialist. We were beguiled by the wit and a sense of new-found clarity with respect to central traits of reality” (657). Works Cited
Quine, W.V. "Russel's Ontological Development." Journal of Philosophy, 63, 1966, 657-667.