A Convex Mirror: Schopenhauer's Philosophy and the Sciences

Schopenhauer's philosophy is often portrayed as pessimistic, but his metaphysics of nature and its dialogue with the sciences are crucial to understanding his project. A Convex Mirror sheds new light on this aspect of his philosophy, highlighting his relationship with science and the impact of the natural sciences on his core concepts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Schopenhauer, renowned as the philosopher of pessimism, is best known for his system that explores how art and morality can guide individuals through the most challenging circumstances. However, this dominant portrayal of Schopenhauer has overlooked an essential aspect of his philosophical tree: the metaphysics of nature and its ongoing dialogue with the scientific advancements of his time.

A Convex Mirror provides valuable insights into the evolution of Schopenhauer's philosophy and his continuous engagement with the natural sciences. To fully comprehend Schopenhauer's metaphysics, it is crucial to understand his relationship with science and the significance of the natural sciences in his philosophical project.

In the first edition of "The World as Will and Representation" (1819), Schopenhauer approached science within the framework of Kant and Schelling's philosophies of nature. However, his growing dissatisfaction with these philosophies led him to develop a unique and intricate conception of the relationship between science and metaphysics. Consequently, he embarked on a revision of his metaphysics of nature, which ultimately impacted its fundamental concepts, including the will and ideas. This revision influenced his decision to publish a volume of Supplements (1844) rather than a revised edition of his main work.

The evolving relationship between Schopenhauer's philosophy and the natural sciences serves as a powerful interpretive tool, akin to a convex diffusing mirror that reflects the entirety and complexity of his system and sheds light on the core concepts of his philosophy. These concepts include the systematic structure of his philosophy, the interplay between reality and representation, idealism and realism, the polysemic nature of ideas, and the will as the ultimate essence of existence.

By examining the relationship between Schopenhauer and the natural sciences, we gain a deeper understanding of his philosophical project and its enduring relevance in contemporary thought. Schopenhauer's insights into the nature of reality, the human condition, and the role of art and morality in navigating the worst of all possible worlds continue to inspire and provoke scholars and thinkers alike.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 243 x 160 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197599150