PHIL4494 · Philosophy

Introduction to Schopenhauerian Pessimism

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

Is this world set up to make us miserable? Is this the worst of all possible worlds? Does any good that we experience compensate for any evil suffered? Can any philosophical account of reality be worth our time if it does not address the unspeakable sufferings of mankind? These are some of the questions that this course will explore. This introduction to Schopenhauers pessimism aims to familiarize the students with Schopenhauers argument for philosophical pessimism, their scope, limitations and how they provide a philosophical answer to important existential questions regarding suffering, guilt, death, and holiness. Schopenhauerian pessimism, this course argues, is not a depressed description of reality, but a deep source of liberation, a medicine against apathy and boredom. We will read all the major sections of The World as Will and Representation, Parerga and Paralipomena andManuscript Remains dedicated to the different elements that form Schopenhauerian pessimism. As preparation to engage Schopenhauers texts, we will read chapters from Frederick Beisers Weltschmerz: Pessimism in German Philosophy, 1800-1900 to familiarize the student with some key elements from Schopenhauers epistemology and metaphysics. At the end of the course, the student will be able to present the major arguments for Schopenhauerian pessimism, apply it to different existential situations and discern what elements of it can be retained. Satisfies the following distribution requirement(s) for Philosophy: History of Philosophy, Knowledge & Reality.