more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 5376

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / D. Empiricism / 5. Empiricism Critique]

Full Idea

There is no reason why I should not know of the existence of something with which nobody is acquainted.

Gist of Idea

I can know the existence of something with which nobody is acquainted

Source

Bertrand Russell (Problems of Philosophy [1912], Ch. 4)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'The Problems of Philosophy' [OUP 1995], p.23


A Reaction

This sort of realist claim (which he goes on to say results from inferences from descriptions) is needed to save empiricism from the absurdities of Berkeley and (dare I say it?) Quine. The Kantian Ego is a candidate.