Arthur Schopenhauer's Philosophy - Bryan Magee & Frederick Copleston (1987)

This paragraph discusses the notion that philosophy, like other human activities, is subject to the influence of fashion and trends. It highlights how philosophical ideas and the attention given to certain philosophers wax and wane over generations. The example of Arthur Schopenhauer is used to illustrate this, showing how his work was neglected for much of the 19th century, then gained prominence, only to be neglected again in the 20th century, and now is experiencing a resurgence. The paragraph also provides background information on Schopenhauer's life, his philosophical journey, and his significant contributions to philosophy, including his unique perspectives on the principle of sufficient reason and his work 'The World as Will and Representation'.

The focus of this paragraph is Schopenhauer's philosophical endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of the world and human experience. It delves into his belief in the necessity of identifying an underlying reality, separate from the world of appearances. The discussion is grounded in Kantian philosophy, emphasizing the subjective nature of human perception and the distinction between things as they appear to us and as they are in themselves. Schopenhauer's view that the ultimate reality must be singular and undifferentiated is explored, as well as his assertion that differentiation only applies to the phenomenal world of experience.

This paragraph examines Schopenhauer's philosophical alignment with Hinduism and Buddhism, particularly his belief in a single, undifferentiated underlying reality behind the diverse and changing world of phenomena. It is noted that Schopenhauer arrived at this conclusion independently, through Western philosophical premises, rather than being influenced by Eastern religions. The paragraph also touches on Schopenhauer's unique perspective on the self, suggesting that our immediate, non-sensory knowledge of our own bodies might provide insights into the true nature of reality.

The paragraph discusses Schopenhauer's anticipation of Freudian concepts, particularly the idea of the unconscious and its role in motivation. Schopenhauer posited that our actions are largely driven by unconscious forces, a notion that predates Freud's work. It also touches on Schopenhauer's belief in the limitations of self-knowledge and the temporal nature of our self-awareness, which contrasts with the Kantian notion of the 'thing in itself.'

This paragraph explores Schopenhauer's concept of the 'will,' which he considered the ultimate reality underlying all phenomena. Schopenhauer viewed the will as an unconscious, driving force that manifests as energy throughout the universe. The discussion includes the alignment of Schopenhauer's ideas with modern scientific understanding of energy and matter, as well as his belief that the will is not personal or organic. The paragraph also addresses the potential confusion arising from Schopenhauer's use of the term 'will' and the suggestion that 'energy' might have been a clearer choice.

The paragraph delves into Schopenhauer's pessimistic view of the world as a place filled with suffering, injustice, and cruelty. It outlines his belief that the ultimate reality is terrible and nightmarish, leading to his reputation as a pessimist. However, it also discusses the temporary relief offered by aesthetic experiences, such as art, which can momentarily still the will and provide respite from desire and conflict. The paragraph also touches on Schopenhauer's introduction of Platonic ideas in relation to art, which some may find misplaced in his philosophical system.

This paragraph examines Schopenhauer's ethical stance, which is rooted in his metaphysical belief in the ultimate oneness of all beings. Despite viewing the ultimate reality as something horrible, Schopenhauer advocates for compassion, empathy, and love, arguing that harming others is, in a profound sense, self-harm. The discussion explores the apparent conflict between Schopenhauer's pessimistic worldview and his ethical teachings, as well as the influence of his ideas on subsequent generations of philosophers and thinkers.

The paragraph discusses Schopenhauer's concept of 'denial of the will,' which is a central aspect of his philosophy. It suggests that the ultimate goal is to reject or turn against the will, which is the fundamental driving force behind all existence. The discussion includes the idea of asceticism as a means to achieve this rejection and touches on the difficulty of reconciling the denial of the will with the inherent nature of the will as a driving force. The paragraph also considers the distinction between different forms of reality and the role of value judgments in Schopenhauer's philosophy.

This final paragraph reflects on Schopenhauer's enduring impact on philosophy, particularly on thinkers like Nietzsche, Freud, and Wittgenstein. It acknowledges his influence on creative artists and discusses the ways in which his ideas have been interpreted and adapted by later philosophers. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the continued relevance of Schopenhauer's thought in the 20th century and its embodiment in one of the century's most renowned philosophers, Wittgenstein.