Arthur Schopenhauer

Definition

Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher known for his pessimistic philosophy, emphasizing the role of will as the driving force behind human behavior and existence. He proposed that life is fundamentally driven by an insatiable will, leading to suffering, and this perspective significantly influenced various artistic movements, especially Symbolism, as artists sought to express the deeper, often darker aspects of human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Schopenhauer's most famous work is 'The World as Will and Representation,' where he presents his ideas on the nature of reality and human experience.
2. He argued that art provides a temporary escape from the relentless demands of the will, allowing individuals to find solace in beauty and creativity.
3. His ideas about the power of the subconscious and dreams also laid the groundwork for later thinkers, influencing psychology and existential philosophy.
4. Schopenhauer believed that compassion is a fundamental moral principle, advocating for empathy towards others as a way to mitigate suffering.
5. His philosophy resonated with many Symbolist artists and writers who sought to convey the complexities of human emotions and the darker sides of existence through their work.

Review Questions

• How does Schopenhauer's concept of the will relate to the themes commonly found in Symbolist art?
  • Schopenhauer's concept of the will is central to understanding Symbolism because it emphasizes that human life is driven by an insatiable desire that often results in suffering. Symbolist artists drew upon this idea to explore deeper emotional truths and portray the darker aspects of existence. By tapping into the subconscious and representing feelings through symbolic forms, these artists aimed to reflect the complexities of human experience as envisioned by Schopenhauer.
• In what ways did Schopenhauer's philosophy challenge or complement contemporary artistic movements during his time?
  • Schopenhauer's philosophy presented a stark contrast to the optimistic views of progress common in Romanticism and other contemporary movements. His pessimism challenged artists to reconsider their representations of reality, leading some to adopt Symbolism as a means of expressing deeper emotional experiences. This shift encouraged artists to explore themes of suffering, existential despair, and beauty as a fleeting escape from life's inherent struggles, thus complementing and challenging existing artistic ideals.
• Evaluate how Schopenhauer's influence can be seen in specific works of Symbolist literature or art, citing examples.
  • Schopenhauer's influence is evident in works like Stéphane Mallarmé's poetry and Gustave Moreau's paintings. Mallarmé often explored themes of longing and despair, reflecting Schopenhauer's belief in the futility of desire. Similarly, Moreau's dreamlike imagery conveys an emotional depth that aligns with Schopenhauer's idea of art as a refuge from suffering. By examining these works, we see how Schopenhauer's philosophy shaped Symbolist artists' approaches to expressing complex human emotions and experiences.

Related terms

Will: In Schopenhauer's philosophy, the will represents an irrational force that drives all human desires and actions, leading to perpetual striving and dissatisfaction.

Pessimism: A philosophical viewpoint that emphasizes the negative aspects of life, asserting that suffering is inherent in existence and often outweighs any potential joy.

Symbolism: An artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on representing emotions and ideas through symbolic forms rather than realistic depictions.