more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 6438

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 6. Fundamentals / d. Logical atoms]

Full Idea

I have come to think that, although many things can be known to be complex, nothing can be known to be simple.

Gist of Idea

Complex things can be known, but not simple things

Source

Bertrand Russell (My Philosophical Development [1959], Ch.14)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'My Philosophical Development' [Routledge 1993], p.123


A Reaction

This appears to be a rejection of his logical atomism. It goes with a general rebellion against foundationalist epistemology, because the empiricists foundations (e.g. Hume's impressions) seem devoid of all content.