Arthur Schopenhauer Flashcards
Reality
He devides reality into two related knowable aspects
1) representation of idea. How things appear to us
2) will is reality as it truly is
Reality itself possess no moral concern and has not other purpose then it’s ongoing continual expression
Basic beliefs
Aspect of human nature extends to an all encompassing metaphysical principle. Conceived of as the basic and irreducible reality of all beings indeed it is being itself. Calls this reality “will”
How can we know realities true nature
1) by external observation
2) by awareness of own bodies
3) through intuition
All convey same essence. An irreducible drive or force towards life of simply will
Purest expression of life
Sexual impulse. Drive to procreation
How can we know reality
We can know it beyond appearance. It is not a divine realm of angels heavenly bliss or a higher order. Instead it is unkind relentless amoral force of energy called will
What is will
We are will. Will is absolute. We know ourselves and everything else as will and unique objectifications of will.
He equates will with reality itself which is amoral “blind and endlessly striving”
Principle of individuation
Creates the illusion of separation, yet life is one force.
Ethic
Response to this condition is to deny the will as it exists in ourselves. Provides a peace from continual slavery and decrease our personal and collective suffering
Three types of people in the world
1) the good individual. Who recognizes their rights end where others begin. See others essentially the same as themselves. Don’t expect more for themselves
2) the bad/evil individual- excessively egoistic putting own will ahead of others. Don’t recognize or respect essential sameness
3) the saint- he or she that strives by hardship (self denial) to ease the suffering of the world
How ought we to live
Reality=will Life=suffering Freedom is possible Ethic of justice and fairness to all Compassion and self denial
Schopenhauer on will
Will-> suffering-> slave to will-> deny will-> salvation
The saint is how we find peace and wholeness
Life is mirror or the will
How can we escape the tyranny of the will
Aesthetic contemplation- enjoyment of art frees us from wills grip though is only temporary
Asceticism-denial of the will as it exists in ourselves a permanent lifestyle which entails us a peridots any avoidance of all worldly pleasures
Veil of maya
Separates us from constant recognition i.e our minds and senses act as a filter dividing reality up into distinct bits of manageable information
