Summary:
While many skeptics say it is pointless to ask questions we know cannot be answered, Russell still insists on questioning your curiosity. "...he courageously asked each of us to dare to think, to dream, to wonder, to care about each other, to search for the truth, and to engage in the quest for knowledge." said John Shosky. Russell believed the same as Descartes, that you can isolate certain things you know cannot be true.  He looked at philosophy from a scientific way as well, saying that if we take a scientific approach, we will get closer to the truth. '"Ensure a progress in method whose importance it would be impossible to exaggerate."' says Russell. Russell made two very important contributions to philosophy; the theory of descriptions and the theory of types.
Analysis:
Russell says to question everything, but why? Why should we question things we know cannot be answered? At this moment, I am questioning the act of questioning. Is that ironic or are my actions contradicting my beliefs? How can Russell take a scientific approach to philosophy? Science is based on uncovering facts (or at least what we call "facts") and philosophy asks mysterious questions.
Reflection Questions:
Why bother questioning? Why is taking an analytical approach towards philosophy thought to be wrong by Russell?
Citation:
Shosky, John. "Russell and the Contemplation of Philosophy." Free Inquiry. Fall 1995: 41-42. SIRS Renaissance. Web. 16 Apr 2012.