Schopenhauer's Moral Philosophy

This volume explores Arthur Schopenhauer's moral philosophy, highlighting his critique of Kantian deontology and his development of a compassionate moral system. It demonstrates the relevance and influence of Schopenhauer's ethical program, addressing topics such as the moral status of animals, suicide, altruism, virtue, and asceticism. The book appeals to scholars and advanced students interested in Schopenhauer, 19th-century philosophy, and ethics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume brings together a distinguished group of internationally renowned Schopenhauer scholars, who offer fresh and innovative perspectives on his moral philosophy. Despite his profound influence on 19th-century thought, Arthur Schopenhauer has often been overlooked as a significant contributor to contemporary moral discourse. Not only was he a formidable critic of Kantian deontology, but he also developed a compelling moral system rooted in compassion. While there are intriguing similarities between his system and the sentimentalist tradition associated with figures like Hume and Hutcheson, Schopenhauer's unique metaphysical framework offers a distinctive approach to fundamental questions in moral psychology, the philosophy of action, axiology, and moral epistemology.

The chapters in this book explore the relevance and impact of Schopenhauer's ethical program, showcasing the untapped wealth of conceptual resources for addressing pressing moral dilemmas. They cover a wide range of topics, including:

The moral status of animals: Examining Schopenhauer's views on the moral worth of non-human beings and his argument for their inherent rights.

The moral permissibility of suicide: Discussing Schopenhauer's controversial stance on suicide and his contention that it can be morally justified in certain circumstances.

The possibility of altruistic action: Analyzing Schopenhauer's belief in the inherent goodness of human nature and his argument for the moral imperative of self-sacrifice.

The nature of virtue and asceticism: Exploring Schopenhauer's concept of will and his prescription for achieving moral perfection through asceticism.

How Schopenhauer integrated Western influences with various Indian traditions of moral thinking: Examining the ways in which he drew on Hindu and Buddhist philosophy to develop his ethical framework.

Schopenhauer's Moral Philosophy will appeal to scholars and advanced students with an interest in Schopenhauer, 19th-century philosophy, and the history of ethics. It provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing exploration of his thought and its enduring relevance to contemporary moral discourse.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367547721