# Othello — The Problems of Philosophy character guide

> Othello in The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0006-v-knowledge-by-acquaintance-and-knowledge-by-description

## Who they are

Shakespearean character used as an example of acquaintance.

## Relationships

### [Desdemona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_problems_of_philosophy_se/characters/desdemona)

_romantic_

Desdemona and Othello are deeply in love as husband and wife, though their relationship is tragically undermined by jealousy and manipulation.

### [Cassio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_problems_of_philosophy_se/characters/cassio)

_professional_

Cassio serves as Othello's lieutenant, a professional bond that becomes strained by Othello's unfounded suspicions of betrayal.

## In the story

### [XII: Truth and Falsehood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_problems_of_philosophy_se/chapters/xii-truth-and-falsehood)

Used as an example of false belief: Othello believes falsely that Desdemona loves Cassio.

### [XIII: Knowledge, Error, and Probable Opinion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_problems_of_philosophy_se/chapters/xiii-knowledge-error-and-probable-opinion)

Referenced in the discussion of self-evidence and acquaintance: 'When Othello believes that Desdemona loves Cassio, the corresponding fact... would be Desdemona's love for Cassio.'

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_problems_of_philosophy_se/characters/othello
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_problems_of_philosophy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_problems_of_philosophy_se/characters