Question

In differentiating ‘knowledge by description' from ‘knowledge by acquaintance', which among the following is/are Bertrand Russell's account of description?

• A. Description is without any process of inference or any knowledge of truths
• B. Physical objects and other people's minds are not known to us by ‘knowledge by description'
• C. What is known by description is ultimately reducible to knowledge concerning what is known by acquaintance
• D. Description does not involve the use of concepts

Hint:

For Russell, focus on the distinction between direct acquaintance and inferential description.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, C

Bertrand Russell differentiates between:
1. Knowledge by acquaintance: Direct experience or perception of objects.
2. Knowledge by description: Knowledge of things not directly experienced, derived through inference.
Russell asserts:
- Description involves inference and the use of concepts, making (A) and (D) incorrect.
- Physical objects and other people's minds are often known by description, contradicting (B).
- Description is ultimately reducible to acquaintance (C), as descriptions depend on direct experiences.
Thus, the correct answer is (B), (C).