Mysticism and Mathematics

By: Bertrand Russell

Narrated by: Jim Raposa

Length: 1 hr and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

Bertrand Russell, despite his immense erudition, is an everyman and every-woman philosopher. He is clear, engaging, and readable. Although Russell did most of his early work (along with his mentor and colleague Alfred North Whitehead) in mathematics, he had an enormously wide range of interests - from politics to sex education for the young. The following two essays - "Mysticism and Logic" and "Mathematics and the Metaphysicians" - provide listeners with a glimpse into Russell's thinking and, in turn, illuminates us about these deep subjects. Even though Russell is a seasoned skeptic, he is not blind to how religious sentiments and emotions play a vital role in our day-to-day lives. This is perhaps best summarized by Russell when he writes "The metaphysical creed, I shall maintain, is a mistaken outcome of the emotion, although this emotion, as colouring and informing all other thoughts and feelings, is the inspirer of whatever is best in Man. Even the cautious and patient investigation of truth by science, which seems the very antithesis of the mystic's swift certainty, may be fostered and nourished by that very spirit of reverence in which mysticism lives and moves." Bertrand Russell remains a beacon of enlightenment for those wanting to better understand the universe through reason and logic and love.

Public Domain (P)2016 MSAC Philosophy Group

great content, terrible narrator

Sadly this was unlistenable. it sounded like it was narrated by a cheap text to speech program.

Amazing content but badly read

For a topic as complex as this, the reading was very fast. It was a flat reading just like a computer. Perhaps computers would have given a good pause between sentences. A topic of philosophy is absorbed, pondered and reflected upon. Pauses are an important ingredient for a full effect. very disappointed.

Love how it says optional but it is required....

Bertrand Russell is my favorite original mathematician. My modern day favorite being Hannah Fry - of whom I highly recommend. I enjoyed listening to this audible. I will probably listen to more of Russell's work. I see why he is considered more of a philosopher but I still love his approach to mathematics and logic.

Terrible narrator

Very interesting content. Unfortunately the bad narrator made it very hard to follow.
I had the idea that the narrator had no idea what he was reading.
Next time use Jonathan Keeble. Just a suggestion.

The narrator is just not up to the subject matter

excellent content, unconvincing narrator. he's just not involved in the material, is as if text to speak didn't sound like a robot, but likely is just reading text as text and not as a body of text with meaning and implications

An epoch book, searingly smart

Would you consider the audio edition of Mysticism and Mathematics to be better than the print version?

about the same

Who was your favorite character and why?

i loved the discussion of dedekin

What does Jim Raposa bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

naturalism and realism

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

yes, I was struck by how rational yet sensitive it is

Any additional comments?

This is a must listen-to.