Summary of The Analysis of Mind

The Analysis of the Mind by Bertrand Russell is a collection of lectures the Nobel-awarded philosopher delivered in the 1920s. These 15 lectures have been hailed as milestones in modern psychology as they explore the relation between mind and matter under a completely new scope. Living in the turbulent years after World War I and having been deeply influenced by realists and behaviorists of the early 20th century, Russell attempts to reconcile the paradoxical materialistic view of contemporary psychologists on mind with the anti-materialistic tendency that physicists adopt over matter. In addition, he examines and clarifies all terms and concepts that have long been used by idealists and psychologists lightly and without explicit definition as those of consciousness, sensation, perception, memory, and belief.

As a mathematician, Russell employs the analytical method and tries to disprove scientifically the existence of consciousness, introspection, and everything that constitutes source of knowledge from "the inside" of human brain. He encourages the view that knowledge is largely the result of external observation, though things are not as simplistic as they appear.

Includes: a brief background of the author and the work; overview, synopsis, and analysis; historical context, criticisms, and social impact; chapter-by-chapter summary; the full narration of the text.

This summary includes a synopsis and analysis of every lecture along with comments and notes on the historical context. It is highly recommended to all who are interested in the field of psychology.