Understanding Bertrand Russell’s Misinterpretation: The True Origin and Context of Philosophical Footnotes

Many misinterpretations in the realm of philosophy can send us on a wild goose chase, leading us to mistakenly attribute famous quotes or ideas to the wrong individuals. One such case involves Bertrand Russell's alleged misquotation about the origin of philosophical footnotes. However, it becomes clear that this famous statement actually came from Albert N. Whitehead, further complicating the timeline of philosophical thought.

The Actual Quote and Its Source

The erroneous assumption that Bertrand Russell said, "All philosophy is but a comment on Plato," is a delightful blunder. The true quote is: "All subsequent philosophy is but a series of footnotes to Plato," which Albert N. Whitehead uttered at the commencement of his monumental work, Process and Reality (1929).

Contextualizing the Quote: Whitehead's Larger Work

This quote appears in the third paragraph of Chapter 1, Part II, of Whitehead's Process and Reality. It is worth noting that Whitehead was not merely indulging in a jest or a simplified viewpoint; he was intentionally setting the stage for his expansive metaphysical treatise. His statement encompasses a profound re-evaluation of Western philosophical traditions.

Whitehead's Rejection of Popularized Philosophy

Whitehead's statement appears in the context of his critical assessment of the over-reliance on the Republic, particularly the more notorious passages like the Myth of the Cave. He argues that instead, the esoteric works such as the Timaeus offer more valuable insights for his metaphysical explorations. This stance highlights Whitehead's belief in the need to dig beyond the surface level of philosophical works to uncover deeper, more meaningful ideas.

The next paragraph of the quoted text provides more depth to this idea. Whitehead discusses the work of John Locke and contrasts it with the views of David Hume. He praises Locke's concept of substance as having inherent power, distinguishing it from mere attributes. This idea further emphasizes Locke's value as a thinker, often overlooked in popularizations of his work.

Philosophical Legacy and Footnotes

Whitehead's statement is not just a playful aside but a serious philosophical argument. It suggests that a thorough understanding of the Western philosophical tradition requires a meticulous examination of works that have influenced subsequent thinkers. In essence, philosophical thought is built upon the foundational ideas put forth by earlier philosophers, with each generation providing additional insights and interpretations.

The way I heard it is that the subsequent development of all philosophy consists of footnotes to Plato and Aristotle. Broadly speaking, the Platonic ideas bore fruit in the mysticism of the Middle Ages, while Aristotle's ideas can be considered footnotes to the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the birth of free market individualism, free government, and the separation of powers.

Conclusion and Reflection

It is crucial to recognize the subtleties within the realm of philosophy. Misattributions and oversimplified interpretations can obscure the complexities of philosophical thought. Albert N. Whitehead's acknowledgment that all subsequent philosophy is a series of footnotes to Plato is a profound and nuanced statement that compels us to engage deeply with the works of these ancient philosophers. Bertrand Russell's misinterpretation serves as a reminder to always conduct rigorous research and verification before accepting a statement as fact.

References

Process and Reality by A.N. Whitehead (1929) PRINCIPIA MATHEMATICA by Bertrand Russell and Alfred North Whitehead (1913) The Republic of Plato The Timaeus of Plato Works of John Locke and David Hume

By delving into the works of these philosophers, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of Western thought and the intricate web of influences that shape our contemporary philosophical landscape.