Critical appreciation of Bertrand Russell's "Free Thought and Official Propaganda" :What does Russell mean by the word ‘Free Thought’ and how it is prejudice by the official Propaganda?

An Analysis of Bertrand Russell's "Free Thought and Official Propaganda": Understanding the Concept of Free Thought and Its Suppression through Official Propaganda

1. Introduction:

Bertrand Russell, the British philosopher, mathematician, Nobel laureate and logical analyzer in his critical lecture (DELIVERED AT SOUTH PLACE INSTITUTE ON MARCH 24, 1922), "Free Thought  and Official Propaganda" observes the nature of Free wills in the individuals and critically portraits the propaganda which curb the destined goal of it. In simple words, according to him reasoning and better civilized world is a performance of the Free Thinker, which time and again are put into control or checked by the orthodox Governmental measures. In this critical appreciation, we will explore Russell's interpretation of the term "free thought" and examine how it is undermined by the pervasive influence of propaganda sanctioned by authoritative entities.

2. Defining "Free Thought":

Russell begins by elucidating the concept of "free thought" as the unrestricted pursuit of truth and the ability to form independent opinions. It encompasses the freedom to challenge established beliefs, question authority, and engage in critical thinking without undue external influence. Free thought, according to Russell, is fundamental to the growth and progress of society:

"When we speak of anything as “free,” our meaning is not definite unless we can say what it is free _from_. Whatever or whoever is “free” is not subject to some external compulsion, and to be precise we ought to say what this kind of compulsion is. Thus thought is “free” when it is free from certain kinds of outward control which are often present. Some of these kinds of control which must be absent if thought is to be “free” are obvious, but others are more subtle and elusive."

Free will is not absolute by free from scalability and acceptability. Free thought is a precise compulsion of introspection and it is not merely an external subjugation the elementary kind of freedom is to believe in the righteous argument and excepting the real syllogism. The freedom of thought is free from any prejudice of social mischief and misadventures. Russell in his essay confirms the will to doubt. Accord to him none of our beliefs are quiet true. All have at least a penumbra of Vagueness and error. We have to possess a scientific temper of mind to accept of greater realities, better options and various facts. Ours should be the expanding of mind, not at narrowing it. The new millennium should be devoid of dogmatic opinion and undesirable competition with much different opinion in religion, politics, social issues and many other fields.       

3. The Battle for Rational Doubt: Unveiling the Impact of Education, Propaganda, and Economic Pressure on Intellectual Freedom

The condition of rational doubt is desirable. The inherent irrationality and credulity of average human nature is the great enemy of this will to doubt the seed of intellectual original sin which is nourished and fostered by the fancy’s life, government and the kind of people who are opportunist and murderer of wills. The badly affected three criterion of social issues are namely – education, propaganda and economic pressure.

4. The Corrosive Impact of State-Sponsored Education: Crippling Free Thought and Promoting Nationalistic Propaganda

Firstly, in the field of education a falsified nation cripples and bisects the rhythm of teaching. As a state sponsored educational system, there is unjustified self glorification of nation’s history, the boosting and vainglorious are the contempt of the national biographies. The whole machinery of the state, in all different countries is turned on making their children to believe in absurd proposition, as if a truthful account of right answers and nationalism. The education is such designed that averting the true knowledge it glorifies the falsified will of the masters which is impossible to preserve the common plague of democracy. Further the state which is a collection of official, different for different purposes always tries to increase the power of bureaucrats which kills the decree of doubt and progressive ideology.

5. The Menace of Official Propaganda:

Bertrand Russell
(1872 –970)

Secondly, Russell highlights the corrosive impact of official propaganda on free thought. He argues that when governments or powerful institutions control the dissemination of information, they can manipulate public opinion, stifle dissent, and subvert the individual's capacity for independent thinking. This form of propaganda becomes a tool to preserve the status quo and suppress alternative viewpoints.

In fact, the country where we living are full with propaganda. A wrong belief with evil interest or of absurd propositions or the kind of enthusiastic advertisement is the music of propaganda. Propaganda or equidistance of truth begets evil. Generally it appeals to irrational causes of belief rather than to serious argument and gives an unfair advantage for those who can obtain most publicity whether through wealth of through power. The unfair, unequal, unreasoning advertisement kills a sufficiently destruction of ‘Free Will’. Without being propagandist ours should be equality of opportunity in the field of real freedom of thought and it is only be received by fair too, better education and public opinion.

5.1. Manipulating Perception:

Russell underscores how official propaganda seeks to shape public perception by controlling the narrative. Through techniques such as selective dissemination, censorship, and misinformation, those in power can construct a distorted reality that aligns with their own interests. This manipulation effectively curtails free thought by limiting access to diverse ideas and creating a climate of conformity.

5.2. Cultivating Fear and Conformity:

Another aspect Russell explores is how official propaganda fosters fear and conformity within society. By exploiting people's anxieties, disseminating misleading information, and portraying dissent as a threat to national security, propaganda discourages individuals from exercising their capacity for critical thinking. Fear becomes a powerful tool to suppress free thought and maintain control.

5.3. Counteracting Official Propaganda:

Russell proposes that safeguarding free thought requires a vigilant and educated citizenry. He emphasizes the importance of promoting independent thinking, encouraging open debate, and cultivating a culture that values intellectual freedom. Counteracting official propaganda necessitates the availability of diverse sources of information and the cultivation of skepticism towards dominant narratives.

6. Economic Pressure: A Threat to Freedom of Thought

Thirdly, another danger behind the struggled freedom of thought is surely the economic pressure. The world of propaganda and Governmental consideration on it differentiate people to people from its political cutlets, religious practices, moral acceptance and social upbringing. If such are the considering factors of judging a man or appointing him, is to be disregarded. The free competition must be a reality. The rapid industrialization and economic compulsion must be discarded; the world should be accepted on the principles of fair integument.

7. Conclusion:

Bertrand Russell's "Free Thought and Official Propaganda" serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role free thought plays in shaping a just and progressive society. Russell exposes the dangers of official propaganda in stifling individual autonomy, perpetuating conformity, and hindering intellectual growth. By critically examining the interplay between free thought and official propaganda, we gain insight into the importance of preserving intellectual freedom and safeguarding democratic principles.

Russell in his essay takes at universal point of view judging it fairly enough from the citizen of the world. He is accurate in his studies as the individual or the nation retreat his position if mischievously they are put into fetters by the falsified education, mischievously propaganda and economic pressures.      

 Ardhendu De

References

Free Thought and Official Propaganda : Bertrand Russell : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/freethoughtandof44932gut