Chapter 2, The Existence of Matter Summary and Analysis

We must now ask whether there is matter in the world. Objects can only exist independently of minds if there is matter. Before beginning, Russell tries to find a starting point. What we do not doubt is the existence of sense-data, so the psychological is not being questioned. Descartes, the founder of modern philosophy, invented the method of systematic doubt to see what he knew for certain. He said famous, "I think therefore I am" and found his existence absolutely certain. He then tried to build up knowledge all over again.

Russell cautions against the argument, because we are not sure we are the same person over time. The real Self is as hard to arrive at as the table. It seems only certain that there is a momentary self. Only particular thoughts...