Question

3.) Early in the text, Russell claims that the primary value of philosophy lies in making us doubt what we think we know. However, by the end of text, he claims that philosophy allows humans to "see as God might see." Are these two assertions a contradiction or a paradox?

Answer 1

Answer:

These assumptions are a contradiction.

Explanation:

The two statements are a contradiction because they give opposing ideas on the same subject. He claims philosophy should include a constant doubt on knowledge, to make us never settle and always improve our hypothesis. However, he also claims philosophy allows humans to " see as God might see", which indicates an absolute view in each matter. It is not a paradox because he is relativist in the terms, he doesn't say humans will be like God, omnipotent and all-knowing, but in the constant movement of study and doubt one might tangency something of divine feel.