A Study Of Bertrand Russell's Historical Thought

Bertrand Russell is one of the most famous and influential thinkers in contemporary Western society,he is also one of the best known Western thinkers to intellectuals in contemporary China.Russell has a wide range of academic interests;he has made contributions in many fields such as Mathematics,Philosophy and Sociology.He also has a great interest in history and has written a number of historical works and a large number of historical thesis.Russell's historical thought is related to the social,political and ideological changes from the end of the 19 th century to the middle of the twentieth century.It reflects an ideologist's way of thinking when facing significant changes in history.Russell tries to highlight the history of aesthetic and the function of popular education,hoping that history can intervene in society and participate in the social,national and international environment.This thesis will present Russell's historical thoughts from several aspects.It will consider his view of history,historiography,historical narration and practice.In the introduction,Russell's life and works,his domestic and foreign research status and his research methods will be discussed.The first chapter examines the historical and social background to the formation of Russell's historical thought.Russell was born during the rise of European Imperialism when nationalism was also growing.Russell was also born to a family of Whigs,which is of great significance regarding his ideological tendency,and this made it easy for him to understand political affairs on a global scale.In addition,Russell's philosophical and mathematical training at Cambridge also profoundly influenced his historical thought.The second chapter examines Russell's view of history and the theory of historiography.Russell's philosophy of history is regarded as being "reflective".Russell thinks that history is easy to recognize but that historical law is difficult to understand.He emphasizes the accidental factors involved in the process of historical development and he therefore pays attention to the historical role of heroes.In his view,the impetus given to the development of history is not one dimensional but pluralistic;humanistic possessiveness,craving for power and creative desire promote the process of history.The appearance of history is the result of interaction between these factors.The third chapter expounds Russell's view of historical knowledge and the theory of historical value.In Russell's opinion,history is an art and at its core is morality.Historical research must therefore include moral judgment and emotional intervention.Russell believes that historical research should focus on morality,rather than attempting to explore historical law.This view upholds Russell's humanistic values.For precisely this reason,Russell treats people based upon their purpose rather than tools.He pays great attention to individuals in history,linking history education to the establishment of a world government.The fourth chapter introduces Russell's historical narrative ideas and practices.Russell uses many rhetorical devices,such as irony,in his historical narratives.At the same time Russell pays close attention to the adoption of anecdotes;he highlights the historical significance of fictional stories to make his works more vivid and interesting.Russell's historical narrative emphasizes the humanist tradition and draws attention to the non-instrumental characteristics of human beings.In the conclusion,Russell's historical thought is summarized.Ideological Legacy and Influence are accentuated.