Inquiry into Meaning and Truth by Bertrand Russell (Vintage 1969 Edition)

Inquiry into Meaning and Truth is a book written by the British philosopher Bertrand Russell, first published in 1940. The book is a collection of essays on various philosophical topics, including language, truth, knowledge, and ethics.

The central theme of the book is the nature of meaning and how it relates to truth. Russell argues that meaning is a fundamental aspect of language, and that the meanings of words and sentences are what make it possible for us to communicate and to have knowledge. He also explores the relationship between language and reality, arguing that language is a tool that allows us to represent the world around us, but that it is also subject to limitations and errors.

Another important theme in the book is the concept of truth. Russell argues that truth is a property of propositions, or statements that can be either true or false. He explores different theories of truth, including the correspondence theory, which holds that a proposition is true if it corresponds to the facts of the world, and the coherence theory, which holds that a proposition is true if it is consistent with other true propositions.

In addition to these topics, Inquiry into Meaning and Truth also includes essays on logic, metaphysics, and ethics. One of the most famous essays in the collection is “An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish,” in which Russell criticizes common fallacies and errors in thinking.

Overall, Inquiry into Meaning and Truth is a significant work in the field of analytic philosophy, and it showcases Bertrand Russell’s clear and rigorous approach to philosophical inquiry. The book remains a valuable resource for students and scholars of philosophy, and it continues to be widely read and studied today.