Bertrand Russell on Nuclear War, Peace, and Language: Critical and Historical Essays

One of the most prominent philosophers and activists of the 20th century, Bertrand Russell is known not only for his fundamental contributions on the scope of human knowledge and on mathematical logic, but also for his often-controversial views on ethical and linguistic topics. This edited collection of original essays by prominent Russell scholars focuses on the philosopher’s positions on the key issues of nuclear war, peace, and language. The contributors critically assess Russell’s arguments within their historical and philosophical context and show the significance and topicality that his ideas have retained to the present day, some 80 years since their first articulation. Among the issues examined are Russell’s advocacy of preventive war against the Soviets, his activism for peace, his critical assessment of Wittgenstein’s analysis of ordinary language, and his account of mathematical statements.