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Schopenhauer: Arguing with Philosophers

Charles Reed

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Published in Schopenhauer Arg Philosophers D W Hamlyn

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In Schopenhauer: Arguing with Philosophers, acclaimed philosopher Julian Young offers a lively and thought-provoking exploration of the work of one of the most important and influential thinkers of the 19th century. Young takes readers on a journey through Schopenhauer's key ideas, including his metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics, and shows how they can be applied to our own lives today.

Schopenhauer was a brilliant and original thinker who challenged many of the prevailing ideas of his time. He argued that the world is not a rational place, but rather a realm of suffering and pain. He also believed that the pursuit of pleasure is futile, and that the only way to find true happiness is to renounce the will to live. These ideas were deeply controversial in the 19th century, but they have since gained a wider acceptance.

Schopenhauer-Arg Philosophers

by D.W. Hamlyn

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	632 KB
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Print length	:	139 pages

Young's book is a sympathetic but critical account of Schopenhauer's philosophy. He shows how Schopenhauer's ideas can be both profound and provocative, and he offers a fresh perspective on one of the most important thinkers of the modern era.

Schopenhauer's Metaphysics

Schopenhauer's metaphysics is based on the idea that the world is not a rational place, but rather a realm of suffering and pain. He argued that the world is driven by a blind and irrational force that he called the Will. The Will is constantly striving to satisfy its desires, but it can never truly be satisfied. This leads to a cycle of suffering and pain that is inherent in the nature of reality.

Schopenhauer's metaphysics has been criticized for being pessimistic and nihilistic. However, Young argues that Schopenhauer's pessimism is not a cause for despair, but rather a call to action. Schopenhauer believed that we can overcome the suffering of the world by renouncing the will to live. This is not an easy task, but it is the only way to find true happiness and peace.

Schopenhauer's Ethics

Schopenhauer's ethics are based on the idea that compassion is the highest virtue. He argued that we should treat others with kindness and understanding, even if they do not deserve it. He also believed that we should avoid causing harm to others, even if it is in our own best interests.

Schopenhauer's ethics have been praised for their compassion and their emphasis on the importance of treating others with respect. However, some critics have argued that Schopenhauer's ethics are too demanding and that they would be impossible to live by in the real world.

Schopenhauer's Aesthetics

Schopenhauer's aesthetics are based on the idea that beauty is a transcendent quality that can be found in art, music, and nature. He argued that beauty is not simply a matter of taste, but rather an objective quality that can be experienced by everyone. He also believed that beauty is a powerful force that can uplift and inspire us.

Schopenhauer's aesthetics have been influential in the development of modern art and music. His ideas about the importance of beauty and the power of art have been adopted by many artists and musicians.

Schopenhauer: Arguing with Philosophers is a lively and thought-provoking exploration of the work of one of the most important philosophers of the 19th century. Young offers a fresh perspective on Schopenhauer's ideas and shows how they can be applied to our own lives today.

Whether you are a fan of Schopenhauer or not, I highly recommend this book. It is a challenging but rewarding read that will leave you thinking about Schopenhauer's ideas long after you have finished it.

About the Author

Julian Young is a professor of philosophy at the University of London. He is the author of several books on Schopenhauer, including Schopenhauer: A Guide for the Perplexed and Schopenhauer's Philosophy of Mind.

Schopenhauer-Arg Philosophers

by D.W. Hamlyn

5 out of 5