The figures · Philosophers

Bertrand Russell

Russell connected technical philosophy with public criticism of religion and dogma.

BORN 1872 CE · Trellech, WalesDIED 1970 CE · Penrhyndeudraeth, WalesERA Modern

NOTABLE CONTRIBUTION

Popularized skeptical and atheist arguments while making major contributions to logic and analytic philosophy.

THE RECORD

His essay Why I Am Not a Christian became a widely circulated statement of unbelief.
He criticized arguments for God's existence and religious moral authority.
His broader work in logic and philosophy gave his public skepticism unusual intellectual prestige.