Weltschmerz: Pessimism in German Philosophy, 1860-1900

Frederick C. Beiser presents a study of the pessimism that dominated German philosophy from the 1860s to c. 1900: the theory that life is not worth living. He explores its major defenders and chief critics, and examines how the theory redirected German philosophy away from the logic of the sciences and toward an examination of the value of life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Weltschmerz, a profound exploration of the pessimism that permeated German philosophy during the second half of the nineteenth century, delves into the notion that life holds little or no value. This pessimistic theory, introduced by the influential philosopher Schopenhauer, gained widespread popularity in the 1860s, shaping the philosophical landscape of Germany. In his comprehensive work, Frederick C. Beiser examines the intense and protracted controversy that emerged from Schopenhauer's pessimism, ultimately shifting the focus of German philosophy away from the realm of scientific logic and towards an introspective examination of the inherent worth of life. Beiser meticulously examines the prominent advocates of pessimism, including Philipp Mainländer, Eduard von Hartmann, and Julius Bahnsen, as well as their critical counterparts, particularly Eugen Dühring and the neo-Kantians. This book represents a groundbreaking endeavor since the 1880s to reassess the pessimism dispute and delve into the critical philosophical issues it raised. At its core, the dispute revolves around the most fundamental philosophical question of all: whether life is truly worth living. Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful consideration, Beiser sheds light on the complexities and nuances of this philosophical debate, offering valuable insights into the enduring legacy of pessimism in German thought.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198822653