DESCARTES AND RUSSELL
Can anyone please explain how Russell thinks there is an error in saying 'I am a thing that thinks' (Descartes).
I understand he talks about language, substance theory etc but his whole argument still remains unclear to me.
HERE IS THE PASSAGE FROM THE BOOK (PORTRAITS FROM MY MEMORY):
What I wish to emphasize is the error involved in saying "I am a thing that thinks." Here the substance philosophy is assumed. It is assumed that the world consists of more or less permanent objects with changing states. This view was evolved by the original metaphysicians who invented language, and who were much struck by the difference between their enemy in battle and their enemy after he had been slain, although they were persuaded that it was the same person whom they first feared, and then ate. It is from such origins that common sense derives its tenets. And I regret to say that all too many professors of philosophy consider it their duty to be sycophants of common sense, and thus, doubtless...
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