Wiley-Blackwell Schopenhauer: 25 (Blackwell Great Minds)

This innovative volume presents an insightful philosophical portrait of the life and work of Arthur Schopenhauer. Focuses on the concept of the sublime as it clarifies Schopenhauer’s aesthetic theory, moral theory and asceticism Explores the substantial relationships between Schopenhauer’s philosophy and Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity Defends Schopenhauer’s position that absolute truth can be known and described as a blindly striving, all-permeating, universal “Will” Examines the influence of Asian philosophy on Schopenhauer Describes the relationships between Schopenhauer’s thought and that of Hegel, Nietzsche, and Wittgenstein. Review “Perhaps because its potential readership is scarcely larger than the potential authorship, the genre of introductory books on Schopenhauer is of uniformly high quality. The great pessimist would surely be confounded and joyful at the situation, but books whose titles contain little if anything other than the name ‘Schopenhauer’ are generally excellent. I am pleased to report that Robert Wicks's recent effort is no exception.” ( Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews) Review "Robert Wicks offers a highly accessible introduction to Schopenhauer's philosophy, giving prominence to the central ethical notions of tranquility and wanting less, which he compares in illuminating fashion with Buddhism." -Chris Janaway, University of Southampton "Robert Wicks' Schopenhauer is a perspicacious and perspicuous elucidation of the great pessimist's thoughts. This is a fine work of philosophical scholarship, valuable for those approaching Schopenhauer for the first time and for those who have been with him for years." -David Cartwright, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater From the Inside Flap Arthur Schopenhauer's reputation as a cynic and a misanthrope often obscures the humanity and complexity of his philosophy. In this innovative volume, Robert Wicks breaks away from the accepted oversimplification of Schopenhauer as an incurable pessimist, to present an insightful portrait of his life and work. Beginning with a look at his early life and the circumstances and people that shaped his thinking, the book situates Schopenhauer’s philosophical writings within the context of these formative years. It examines Schopenhauer’s aesthetic and moral theories, his affinity toward Asian mysticism and Christianity, as well as his ideas about asceticism, the sublime, consciousness, empathy, humanity, and "Will". The volume focuses on the composition and structure of Schopenhauer’s philosophy and concludes by exploring his intellectual links to Hegel, Nietzsche, and Wittgenstein. An essential resource for students and scholars of aesthetics and nineteenth-century philosophy, this is an important introduction to a unique and influential thinker. From the Back Cover Arthur Schopenhauer's reputation as a cynic and a misanthrope often obscures the humanity and complexity of his philosophy. In this innovative volume, Robert Wicks breaks away from the accepted oversimplification of Schopenhauer as an incurable pessimist, to present an insightful portrait of his life and work. Beginning with a look at his early life and the circumstances and people that shaped his thinking, the book situates Schopenhauer’s philosophical writings within the context of these formative years. It examines Schopenhauer’s aesthetic and moral theories, his affinity toward Asian mysticism and Christianity, as well as his ideas about asceticism, the sublime, consciousness, empathy, humanity, and "Will". The volume focuses on the composition and structure of Schopenhauer’s philosophy and concludes by exploring his intellectual links to Hegel, Nietzsche, and Wittgenstein. An essential resource for students and scholars of aesthetics and nineteenth-century philosophy, this is an important introduction to a unique and influential thinker. About the Author Robert Wicks is Associate Professor of Philosophy at