Sex & Character / Authorised Translation from the Sixth German Edition

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

61729

Title

Sex & Character / Authorised Translation from the Sixth German Edition

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Otto Weininger's controversial 1903 treatise constructs a rigid philosophical system distinguishing the 'ideal man' from the 'ideal woman.' Based on biological, psychological, and metaphysical principles, the text argues that women lack true individuality and moral existence, serving only as agents of union. Written by a brilliant but tragic young author who died by suicide, this work offers a stark, dualistic critique of gender roles, feminism, and the nature of genius.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Sex & Character,' Otto Weininger presents a radical philosophical system attempting to reduce the complex differences between men and women to a single, decisive ontological principle. Weininger argues that while men possess individuality, logic, and a relationship to the absolute (God or highest values), women lack true existence, being merely 'nothing' in an ontological sense. He posits that women are defined by 'pairing' and 'match-making,' lacking a distinct ego; consequently, they are untruthful by nature, as truth requires an existence to affirm it. The text contrasts the active, problem-solving male with the passive, happiness-seeking female. Weininger suggests men are never truly happy due to their burden of existence and guilt, whereas women's unhappiness is superficial. He delves into characterology, defining two elemental female types: the Courtesan, who seeks the sexual act as an end in itself, and the Mother, who seeks it for procreation. He also addresses hysteria as 'the organic mendacity of woman' and critiques modern feminism as superficial. Ultimately, Weininger elevates the male genius and the moral life, framing the book as a consecration to the divine life and redemption, heavily influenced by Richard Wagner's 'Parsifal.' The work concludes that a moral relation between the sexes is impossible under current understandings, as the fundamental natures of the sexes are antithetical. Weininger asserts that woman has no share in ontological reality, no relation to the 'thing-in-itself,' and is neither moral nor anti-moral. He contrasts this with the male genius, who relates to the idea of the highest value, finding only a faint sense of happiness through artistic or philosophical creation. The book serves as a definitive solution to the 'feminine problem,' characterizing woman as a creature without limits or individuality, destined for community and fusion rather than the detached entityhood of the male monad.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Psychology
• Philosophy