The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; the Art of Controversy

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

10731

Title

The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; the Art of Controversy

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Schopenhauer's posthumous essays explore the art of controversy, the distinction between beauty and interest in art, and the nature of genius versus virtue. With an ironic, aphoristic tone, this collection challenges conventional logic and offers profound insights into human nature, intellect, and the will.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer: The Art of Controversy,' the author distinguishes between Logic, the science of pure reason, and Dialectic, the art of disputation. Schopenhauer argues that human obstinacy often corrupts debate, leading individuals to prioritize the appearance of truth over truth itself. He posits that human nature is naturally base and vain; consequently, disputants fight for their propositions rather than for truth, often resorting to dishonesty to maintain their positions. This branch of knowledge, which he terms 'Controversial Dialectic,' treats the natural perversity of the will and the cunning required to navigate disputes where victory is the sole aim. The essays further explore the comparative roles of beauty and interest in art. Schopenhauer asserts that beauty arises from the apprehension of ideas and appeals to the intellect, requiring a suppression of the will. In contrast, interest engages the will through sympathy with events, creating anxiety and concern. While interest is common in popular drama and novels that rely on plot complexity to entertain the 'mob,' true artistic value lies in beauty. Schopenhauer praises Shakespeare and Homer for their high aesthetic value despite a lack of sensational interest or intricate plots. He critiques works that prioritize cleverness and unexpected twists over the revelation of ideal truth, noting that such pieces lose their value upon repetition. Schopenhauer investigates the relationship between genius and virtue, defining genius as a rare intellectual power that can restrain the will. He contrasts the saint, who applies knowledge to deny the will, with the genius, who revels in knowledge through art. Both possess strong intellects, but the genius uses this power to contemplate ideas rather than to serve the individual will. Consequently, geniuses often suffer from isolation and violent desires, yet they do not commit great crimes because their intellect recognizes the futility of such actions. The genius sacrifices the individual for the species, living in a state of enhanced power and enduring suffering. Ultimately, Schopenhauer concludes that the intellect is the only unsullied part of human nature, and the dignity of the genius lies in the intellect's predominance over the sinful will, offering a unique perspective on the world's suffering amidst the vanity of existence.

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Categories

• Philosophy
• Essays