Bertrand Russell

Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Arthur William Russell (May 18, 1872 - February 2, 1970) was a British logician, philosopher, mathematician and authoritative exponent of the pacifist movement. His work Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy aims to expose the most basic concepts that underlie mathematics. It was written during the period of imprisonment served by Russell for his participation in the British peace movement during the First World War. The discussion is carried out in a form suitable for non-experts, avoiding the use of the most specific symbols of the subject that were thoroughly discussed in Principia Mathematica, a phenomenal work written together with North Whitehead on the foundations of mathematics. The book is developed through the analysis of different topics, each of which is dedicated a chapter; this path ultimately shows the arbitrariness that according to the author is present in every attempt to mark a border between logic and mathematics.