Why Schopenhauer Hated Hegel

The video script begins with an exploration of Arthur Schopenhauer's deep-seated animosity towards Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, whom he considered a charlatan and a purveyor of nonsensical ideas. Schopenhauer's disdain is attributed to both personal antipathy and philosophical disagreement. The narrative sets the stage for the year 1820, when Schopenhauer, having published his magnum opus and secured a position at the University of Berlin, deliberately schedules his lectures to clash with Hegel's, a strategy that reflects his contempt for the latter's philosophical approach. The script hints at a deeper dive into the roots of this animosity, suggesting a combination of personal rivalry and fundamental differences in their philosophical beliefs.

This paragraph delves into the first known interaction between Hegel and Schopenhauer at the University of Berlin, where Hegel, as head of the philosophy faculty, challenges Schopenhauer during a test lecture. The debate revolves around the classification of animal functions, with Schopenhauer arguing for a more precise use of terminology, which is eventually supported by a medical professor. This incident is portrayed as a catalyst for Schopenhauer's growing resentment, viewing Hegel's mistake as emblematic of his superficial understanding of philosophy and science. The paragraph also touches on the broader historical context of the 19th century, highlighting the shifting relationship between philosophy and science, with Schopenhauer representing the traditional view that a philosopher should be well-versed in both.

The script continues to criticize Hegel's understanding of science, citing examples of his erroneous ideas about astronomy, physics, and biology. Schopenhauer, with his background in medicine and a lifelong interest in science, finds these mistakes unforgivable, especially from a figure of Hegel's stature. The paragraph underscores Schopenhauer's belief in the inseparability of philosophy from scientific thought, contrasting Hegel's more autonomous approach to philosophy. This difference in their views on the role of science in philosophy is presented as a key element of their philosophical divergence.

This section of the script focuses on Schopenhauer's disdain for Hegel's writing style, which he perceives as intentionally obscure and pretentious. Schopenhauer is praised for his clarity and conciseness in contrast to Hegel's convoluted prose. The video suggests that Hegel's popularity and influence, despite his perceived lack of clarity, had a detrimental effect on German intellectual culture, promoting a style of writing that prioritized complexity over comprehension. Schopenhauer's own philosophy is presented as being more accessible and grounded in simplicity, which he believed was a testament to the profundity of his ideas.

The final paragraph contrasts the fundamental philosophical differences between Schopenhauer and Hegel, particularly their views on history. While Hegel sees history as a rational process with a positive end goal, reflecting the development of the 'Geist' or Spirit, Schopenhauer regards history as a series of repetitive and unchanging events, devoid of inherent rationality or progress. Schopenhauer's pessimism is juxtaposed with Hegel's optimism, and the script suggests that Schopenhauer's lack of fame during his lifetime, compared to Hegel's celebrity status, may have fueled his animosity. The video concludes by acknowledging the complexity of the factors contributing to Schopenhauer's disdain for Hegel, inviting further exploration of their philosophical differences.