Final answer:
Bertrand Russell stated that analytic philosophy aims to refine meaning through conceptual analysis, similar to the approach of Socrates who used rigorous questioning to define concepts, contributing to the broader purpose of philosophy to comprehend the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Bertrand Russell, the purpose of analytic philosophy is to refine meaning, which involves the use of conceptual analysis to define terms and get closer to the truth. Another philosopher who made significant contributions to defining terms was Socrates, as mentioned in Plato's dialogues, who advocated for self-examination and moral reflection through rigorous questioning and definition of concepts. With a focus on logic and conceptual analysis, philosophy strives to provide a coherent story of the world, engaging with past philosophers and methodologies to inform our understanding of complex ideas.