Schopenhauer's Moral Philosophy

This book explores Arthur Schopenhauer's moral philosophy, highlighting his criticism of Kantian deontology and his development of a compassionate moral system. It discusses topics such as the moral status of animals, suicide, altruism, virtue, and asceticism, and how Schopenhauer integrated Western influences with Indian moral traditions. The chapters aim to demonstrate the untapped wealth of conceptual resources for pressing moral problems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
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. While Arthur Schopenhauer has often been overlooked as a significant contributor to contemporary moral discourse, his profound insights and unique moral system deserve greater recognition. Not only was he a prominent critic of Kantian deontology in the 19th century, but he also developed a compassionate moral framework of his own. While there are intriguing similarities between his system and the sentimentalist tradition found in the works of Hume and Hutcheson, Schopenhauer's distinctive metaphysical perspective provides 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 and treatment of non-human beings.

The moral permissibility of suicide: Discussing whether and why suicide may be morally acceptable, considering Schopenhauer's ethical framework.

The possibility of altruistic action: Exploring whether and how individuals can engage in acts of selflessness and compassion.

The nature of virtue and asceticism: Analyzing Schopenhauer's concept of virtue and his advocacy of asceticism as a means of achieving moral perfection.

How Schopenhauer integrated Western influences with various Indian traditions of moral thinking: Examining the ways in which Schopenhauer drew upon different philosophical and cultural traditions to develop his moral philosophy.

Schopenhauer's Moral Philosophy offers valuable insights to scholars and advanced students interested in Schopenhauer, 19th-century philosophy, and the history of ethics. By delving into his ethical framework and exploring his unique metaphysical perspective, this book provides a deeper understanding of his moral ideas and their relevance to contemporary discourse.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367548704