Bertrand Russell on Truth

Can We Be Sure of the Truth of Any General Principle?

In Problems of Philosophy, Bertrand Russell addresses the subject of induction. It forms the basis of his assertions related to knowledge and truth beyond experience or acquaintance. In general, he posits that we draw inferences based upon general principles and expectations to make meaning of our world beyond the range of our immediate experience and formulate truth. In order to draw an inference, it must be known that "some sort of thing, A, is a sign of the existence of some other sort of thing, B" (Russell 35). The existence of night usually signifies that it was preceded by day. Russell offers that we make these inferential judgments on a constant basis, even in situations where they are improbable.

Russell uses the general expectation that the sun will rise as the basis of his arguments...
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