PHIL 759
European Continental Philosophy 3
Please note: this is archived course information from 2020 for PHIL 759.
Description
Schopenhauer's philosophy is noteworthy among early nineteenth century philosophies for its incorporation of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian ideas. In contrast to this group of positively influential religions, Schopenhauer advanced critical observations towards Islam, Judaism, Greek Polytheism and Confucianism, which we will explore.
Schopenhauer's metaphysical outlook is commonly interpreted as having a fundamentally Hindu structure. Others, however, find that Buddhism prevails as his ultimate moral and practical influence. In the midst of surveying the spectrum of religious influences on Schopenhauer's perspective, both positive and negative, we will consider whether his thought has more of a Christian dimension than is usually recognised. Schopenhauer's position – still under scholarly debate – on whether he believes that we can know the nature of ultimate reality, or what Kant refers to as the "thing-in-itself," will be the light we will use to understand these different religious influences on his thought.
Availability 2020
Not offered in 2020; planned for 2021
Lecturer(s)
Lecturer(s) Professor Robert Wicks
Reading/Texts
All readings to be available on Canvas
Recommended Reading
Arthur Schopenhauer, The World as Will and Representation, Volume One, preferably in the Payne translation.
Points
PHIL 759: 15 points
