Chapter 7 Study Questions

Question 1

1.Briefly describe the life and work of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832)

Answer 1

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) was a prominent figure in the intellectual life of Germany, known for his contributions as a poet, dramatist, scientist, and philosopher. He was associated with the Sturm und Drang period in literature and emphasized embracing opposing forces in life as a means of personal growth

Question 2

2.Describe his philosophy regarding the role of opposite forces in one’s life

Answer 2

His philosophy encouraged the acceptance of contrasting elements like love and hate, life and death, and good and evil, advocating for passionate living and continual self-improvement

Question 3

3.Describe his philosophy regarding phenomenology

Answer 3

In terms of phenomenology, Goethe’s approach was significant in the study of sensory experiences. He promoted the idea of introspection to objectively examine sensory phenomena and emphasized the study of meaningful psychological experiences over isolated sensations. This emphasis on the holistic study of experiences led to the development of the concept of phenomenology, which later influenced psychology

Question 4

4.Summarize his contributions to the development of psychology

Answer 4

Goethe’s impact on the development of psychology was profound. He introduced the idea that meaningful psychological experiences should be the focus of study, paving the way for the concept of phenomenology in psychology. His work also influenced later psychological thinkers such as Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, who integrated Goethe’s ideas on conflicting forces and the harnessing of primal urges for personal growth into their own psychological theories

Question 5

5.Briefly describe the life and work of Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860)

Answer 5

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) was an influential German philosopher known for his pessimistic views on human existence.

Question 6

6.Describe his views regarding will to survive

Answer 6

He posited that the world is fundamentally driven by an unexplainable and blind force known as the “will,” which manifests itself as the will to survive in humans. He believed that this constant striving to fulfill needs leads to a cycle of temporary pleasure and perpetual dissatisfaction, ultimately resulting in boredom

Question 7

7.Describe his views regarding the relationship between intelligence and happiness

Answer 7

Schopenhauer suggested that intelligent beings suffer the most, as they possess a heightened awareness that amplifies their pain and distress. He drew on the biblical wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes to support his contention that the pursuit of knowledge leads to increased sorrow. Schopenhauer argued that intelligent individuals often seek solitude to avoid the frustrations associated with interacting with intellectually inferior people

Question 8

8.Describe his views regarding the roles of sublimation and denial

Answer 8

He discussed the concepts of sublimation and denial as methods to counteract the irrational forces within humans. Sublimation involved channeling energy into activities unrelated to immediate needs, such as art, music, or philosophy, to find relief from the cycle of desire. Denial, on the other hand, required confronting the will and abstaining from its fulfillment, thereby approaching a state of nonexistence and transcending the suffering inherent in human life

Question 9

9.Describe his views regarding unconscious mind

Answer 9

Schopenhauer emphasized the significance of the unconscious mind, recognizing its role in repressing undesirable thoughts and influencing behavior. He described consciousness as a mere surface and compared the human mind to a globe, suggesting that we have limited access to its interior. Schopenhauer’s ideas regarding the unconscious mind significantly influenced later psychological theories, particularly those of Sigmund Freud, who acknowledged Schopenhauer’s contributions to the understanding of repression and the unconscious

Question 10

10.Briefly describe the life and work of Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855)

Answer 10

Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish theologian and philosopher, initially embraced Hegelianism before turning to an individualistic Christianity that rejected institutionalized religion. He authored several influential works, including “Fear and Trembling” and “The Sickness Unto Death.”

Question 11

11.Describe this aspect of his philosophy the nature of religious experience

Answer 11

Kierkegaard emphasized a personal and emotional relationship with God, criticizing the institutional church’s dogma-bound religiosity.

Question 12

12.Describe this aspect of his philosophy the subjective nature of truth

Answer 12

He argued that spiritual truth is inherently subjective and experiential, maintaining that objective, logical understanding of God obstructs true comprehension.

Question 13

13.Describe this aspect of his philosophy love in religious experience

Answer 13

Kierkegaard likened the relationship with God to a passionate, tumultuous love affair, stressing the personal and emotional resonance of religious engagement.

Question 14

14.Describe this aspect of his philosophy the stages of personal freedom

Answer 14

He proposed a stage theory of personal freedom, delineating the aesthetic, ethical, and religious stages. While the aesthetic stage pursued pleasure, the ethical stage adhered to conventional morals, and the religious stage involved an individualistic and unique connection with God, prioritizing personal responsibility and self-awareness.

Question 15

15.Briefly describe the life and work of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844–1900)

Answer 15

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844–1900) was a German philosopher whose works encompassed a wide range of themes and ideas.

Question 16

16.Describe his positions with respect to the Apollonian and Dionysian sides of human nature

Answer 16

Nietzsche introduced the concept of the Apollonian and Dionysian aspects of human nature, representing rationality and irrationality, respectively. He believed that the fusion of these elements is crucial for the best expression of art and life, advocating for a life of controlled passion and reasoned risk-taking.

Question 17

17.Describe his positions with respect to psychology

Answer 17

Nietzsche saw himself primarily as a psychologist, emphasizing the tension between the Apollonian and Dionysian tendencies. He explored the concept of sublimation, the modification of primal instincts by rationality, and discussed the notions of repression and the role of dreams.

Question 18

18.Describe his positions with respect to the death of God

Answer 18

He famously declared the death of God, suggesting that traditional sources of meaning and morality, including religion and metaphysics, had lost their relevance in modern society. Nietzsche grappled with the implications of this loss for human existence and the search for meaning.

Question 19

19.Describe his positions with respect to opinions versus convictions

Answer 19

Nietzsche distinguished between opinions and convictions, criticizing the latter for their tendency to hinder the pursuit of truth. He argued that convictions often lead to fanaticism and prevent individuals from examining the validity of their beliefs, thereby limiting personal growth and understanding.

Question 20

20.Describe his positions with respect to will to power

Answer 20

The concept of the will to power was central to Nietzsche’s philosophy. He believed that the primary human motive was the pursuit of power and self-expression. He emphasized the importance of self-overcoming and the fulfillment of one’s potential as the ultimate goal of human existence.

Question 21

21.Describe his positions with respect to the concept of supermen

Answer 21

Nietzsche introduced the idea of the superman, an individual who rises above conventional morality and societal norms to live an independent, creative, and self-determined life. He believed that all individuals have the potential to become supermen through the expression of their will to power and the embrace of their unique individuality.

Question 22

22.Describe the extent to which misinterpretations of Nietzsche’s concept of supermen have taken place

Answer 22

Misinterpretations of Nietzsche’s concept of supermen have occurred, notably by the German National Socialists (Nazis), who distorted Nietzsche’s philosophy to support their ideology of national and racial superiority. However, Nietzsche’s philosophy emphasized the potential for greatness within each individual, regardless of nationality or race, and advocated for personal growth and self-realization.

Question 23

23.Compare and contrast Kierkegaard and Nietzsche’s existential philosophies

Answer 23

Both Kierkegaard and Nietzsche contributed significantly to existential philosophy, yet their approaches and perspectives had distinct differences. In terms of existential philosophy, Kierkegaard emphasized the individual’s subjective experience, highlighting the importance of personal choice and the significance of anxiety and despair in the process of self-discovery. He accepted the existence of God and emphasized the significance of faith and the leap of faith in finding meaning in life. In contrast, Nietzsche rejected the idea of God’s existence, advocating for the individual to create their own values and meaning through the will to power. He emphasized the importance of self-overcoming and the pursuit of personal growth and potential.

Question 24

24. Compare and contrast existentialism with romanticism

Answer 24

Both philosophical movements shared certain key themes. They emphasized the significance of human existence, the importance of subjective experience, and a deep respect for individuality and free will. They were critical of rationalistic and empirical theories that downplayed the significance of personal interpretation and the search for meaning in life. However, while romanticism often celebrated emotion, nature, and the sublime, existentialism focused more on the individual’s responsibility to define their own existence and meaning. Existentialism also tended to grapple with themes of anxiety, dread, and the absurdity of human existence in the face of a potentially meaningless universe, whereas romanticism emphasized the power of emotion and the awe-inspiring nature of the world.