The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell was first written in 1912. Bertrand Russell was a noble laureate, notable 20th century British philosopher, historian, mathematician, and a political activist. Bertrand Russell, born in Trellech, May 18, 1872 - died in Penrhyndeudraeth, February 2, 1970. In "The Problems of Philosophy" the author attempts to create a clear guide of the problems we face with philosophy. Bertrand focuses on problems he believes will provoke good, positive. and constructive discussion and concentrates on knowledge rather than metaphysics: If our information is uncertain that external objects exist, how can we have knowledge of them but by probability. There is no reason to doubt the existence of external objects simply because of sense data. Bertrand Russell guides the reader through the distinction between direct knowledge and knowledge by description, and introduces theories of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, David Hume, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Georg Hegel and others in order to build the foundations of philosophy and give a sense of accessibility for students and the general public.