Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Arthur William Russell, a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, writer, social critic, political activist, and Nobel laureate, was born on May 18, 1872.

In January 1876, Bertrand Russell's father passes away from bronchitis. Subsequently, he and his brother start living with their paternal grandparents.

In June 1894, Bertrand Russell completes his studies at Cambridge and selects a thesis topic on the philosophy of non-Euclidean geometry for his fellowship. This marks a crucial academic achievement in his career.

In December 1894, Bertrand Russell ties the knot with Alys Pearsall Smith. This event marks a significant personal milestone in his life.

On January 1, 1897, Bertrand Russell published his first philosophical book, marking a significant milestone in his intellectual career.

In May 1901, Bertrand Russell discovered a paradox related to sets that are not members of themselves, which later became known as Russell's Paradox. This paradox led to significant developments in logic, set theory, and the foundations of mathematics.

In May 1908, Bertrand Russell published the work "Mathematical Logic as Based on the Theory of Types," which he had written a year earlier. This work is significant in the development of mathematical logic.

Bertrand Russell publishes the significant work 'Logic of Relations' in July 1910.

Bertrand Russell publishes the important work 'Logic of Relations' in November 1910.

Bertrand Russell's attempts to resolve the paradox led to a significant transformation in his logical framework. He abandoned key elements of his previous 'Pythagorean' view of logic, including the concepts of classes and propositions, and introduced a complex new theory in their place.

In 1916, Bertrand Russell was dismissed from his lectureship at Trinity College due to his antiwar campaigning during World War I. His activities advocating for peace and against conscription led to the British authorities viewing him as subversive.

In November 1920, Bertrand Russell's book 'The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism' is published, reflecting his experiences and observations during his time in Russia.

In September 1921, Bertrand Russell divorces his first wife Alys and marries Dora Black, with whom he had traveled to China and had a son.

In January 1924, Bertrand Russell publishes 'Logical Atomism', a significant work that explores the concept of logical atomism.

In March 1925, volume 1 of the second edition of Principia Mathematica is published, marking a significant milestone in the field of mathematics and logic.

In February 1937, Bertrand Russell delivers his first speech in the House of Lords.

In November 1937, Bertrand Russell presents his work 'On Verification' to the Aristotelian Society.

On March 19, 1940, Albert Einstein expressed his support for Bertrand Russell in an open letter to Morris Raphael Cohen, a professor emeritus at CCNY. Einstein's famous quote 'great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds' originated from this letter, defending Russell's appointment at the City College of New York.

In a speech at Westminster School, Russell shocked observers by suggesting a preemptive nuclear strike on the Soviet Union, arguing it would be a humanitarian gesture to prevent a full nuclear war. He later advocated for mutual disarmament by nuclear powers.

Bertrand Russell delivered his Nobel Lecture titled 'What Desires Are Politically Important?' on December 11, 1950.

In December 1954, Bertrand Russell delivers a significant BBC broadcast titled 'Man's Peril from the Hydrogen Bomb,' which later becomes known as 'The Russell-Einstein Manifesto.' The broadcast highlights the dangers posed by nuclear weapons.

Bertrand Russell's work 'Logic and Knowledge' was published in London by Allen and Unwin in 1956. The book contains various essays and writings on logic and epistemology.

The Russell-Einstein Manifesto was published in July 1957, leading to the first Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs in Pugwash, Nova Scotia. The manifesto highlighted the dangers of nuclear war and called for global cooperation to prevent it.

Bertrand Russell and John Freeman were interviewed on the BBC program Face to Face on March 4, 1959.

In October 1960, Bertrand Russell and Michael Scott established The Committee of 100 with the declaration 'Act or Perish', urging nonviolent resistance against nuclear war and weapons of mass destruction.

In September 1961, at the age of 89, Bertrand Russell was jailed for seven days in Brixton Prison for participating in an anti-nuclear demonstration in London, refusing to pledge 'good behaviour' to avoid jail time.

In October 1962, President John F. Kennedy discovers evidence of Soviet missiles in Cuba and initiates a blockade. Bertrand Russell sends telegrams to Khrushchev and Kennedy advocating for conciliation. Khrushchev responds publicly, suggesting a summit meeting to avoid further escalation.

In 1966, Bertrand Russell published a variety of books catering to different audiences, from laymen to specialists. His writing was praised for its wit and clarity in discussing fundamental aspects of reality.

In 1967, Bertrand Russell expressed his desire to live his life again if given the chance. He was known for his groundbreaking work in logic and analytic philosophy, as well as his involvement in politics, advocating for internationalism and women's suffrage.

Bertrand Russell's last written document, read after his death, criticized Israel as an aggressive imperialist power and expressed sympathy and support for the Palestinian people. He condemned Israel's actions and advocated for a just settlement for the Palestinian refugees.

Bertrand Russell died at his home in Penrhyndeudraeth, Wales, on 2 February 1970, at the age of 97.

In 1975, Katharine Tait published 'My Father Bertrand Russell' and Ronald Clark published 'The Life of Bertrand Russell'. These works provided insights into the life of the renowned philosopher and mathematician, Bertrand Russell.

In 1979, the Bertrand Russell Memorial Volume was published in London by Allen and Unwin. It was edited by George W. Roberts.

In 1981, Ronald William Clark published 'Bertrand Russell and His World' in London under the publisher Thames and Hudson.

The Bertrand Russell Editorial Project was started in 1983 by John Slater and Kenneth Blackwell. It aimed to release authoritative, annotated editions of Russell's works.

The collection of Bertrand Russell's logical and philosophical papers from 1909 to 1913 was published in 1992.

Ray Monk's biography 'Bertrand Russell: The Spirit of Solitude' was published in 1996, focusing on the life and work of the renowned philosopher Bertrand Russell.

A book discussing the ongoing influence and significance of Bertrand Russell's work 'On Denoting' in the philosophical realm.

A companion book commemorating the centenary of 'Principia Mathematica', a seminal work in the field of mathematics co-authored by Bertrand Russell.

The book 'Principia Mathematica' was published in 2020.

In May 2022, McMaster University's Bertrand Russell Archive organized a physical and virtual exhibition focusing on Russell's anti-nuclear stance post-war, featuring the Russell-Einstein Manifesto and the Pugwash Conference.