The Riddle of the World: A Reconsideration of Schopenhauer's Philosophy

by Barbara Hannan

Overview

This book is an introduction to the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer, written in a lively, personal style. Hannan emphasizes the peculiar inconsistencies and tensions in Schopenhauer's thought—he was torn between idealism and realism, and between denial and affirmation of the individual will. In addition to providing a useful summary of Schopenhauer's main ideas, Hannan connects Schopenhauer's thought with ongoing debates in philosophy. According to Hannan, Schopenhauer was struggling half-consciously to break altogether with Kant and transcendental idealism; the anti-Kantian features of Schopenhauer's thought possess the most lasting value. Hannan defends panpsychist metaphysics of will, comparing it with contemporary views according to which causal power is metaphysically basic. Hannan also defends Schopenhauer's ethics of compassion against Kant's ethics of pure reason, and offers friendly amendments to Schopenhauer's theories of art, music, and "salvation." She also illuminates the deep connection between Schopenhauer and the early Wittgenstein, as well as Schopenhauer's influence on existentialism and psychoanalytic thought.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195378931
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	02/25/2009
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Barbara Hannan is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of New Mexico. She holds degrees in both philosophy and law.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
Chapter One: A Sketch of Schopenhauer's Central Ideas: A Neglected Genius
The Fourfold Root
Transcendental Idealism and the Metaphysics of Will
Freedom, Determinism and the Will\
The Basis of Ethics: Reason versus Compassion
Chapter Two: Three Major Themes of Schopenhauer's Philosophy: Transcendental Idealism, Panpsychism, and Determinism
Kant's Epistemology
Schopenhauer's Version of Idealism, and his Evaluation of Kant
Why I Am Not an Idealist
A Suggestion
Schopenhauer's Panpsychism and its Philosophical Ancestry
Objections to Panpsychism Considered
Causal Power as Metaphysically Basic
Determinism and Responsibility
Quantum Mechanics
Chapter Three: Schopenhauer's Anti-Kantian Account of Morality: Kantian Ethics: Its Appeal and Its Puzzling Aspects
Schopenhauer Reads Kant's Ethics
Compassion as the Basis of Ethics
Evaluative Remarks
Wittgenstein's Ethical View and Its Schopenhauerian Roots
Chapter Four: Schopenhauer's Aesthetics: The Meaning of Art and Music: Schopenhauer's Aesthetic Theory in General
Schopenhauer's Theory of Music in Particular
The Character of Genius
Summary of My Suggestions
Chapter Five: Pessimism, Depression, and Salvation: Pessimism as a Philosophical Orientation
Optimism and Pessimism as Personality Traits
The Danger of the Attribution Fallacy
Depression and the Psychological Roots of Pessimism
Salvation as Recovery from Depression
Schopenhauer on the "Acquired Character"
Salvation as Denial of the Will
Now That My Ladder's Gone

Editorial Reviews

"Wonderfully clear and illuminating."—E. J. Lowe, Durham University

From the Publisher