Bertrand Russell and the introduction of mathematical logic in China

Abstract

Bertrand Russell was one of the most prominent figures in the formation and development of mathematical logic. It is widely acknowledged that his work in this field exerted tremendous influence in the West, especially in the first three decades of the twentieth century. The important role he played in inspiring Chinese interest in this subject, however, is virtually unknown. This paper describes Russell's contributions to the introduction of mathematical logic in China through a discussion of his lectures in Beijing in March of 1921, and the subsequent Chinese translations of his Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy and Principia Mathematica.