The Story of Philosophy. Schopenhauer

Written by Will Durant

Narrated by Mark Bowen

In "The Story of Philosophy. Schopenhauer" Will Durant delves into the life and ideas of Arthur Schopenhauer, a prominent 19th-century German philosopher. Schopenhauer's philosophy is characterized by his profound pessimism and the notion that the essence of reality is an irrational will. Durant explores Schopenhauer's influences, including Eastern philosophies and Immanuel Kant, and examines how his metaphysical and ethical views shaped his bleak outlook on human existence.
Schopenhauer's seminal work, "The World as Will and Representation," is central to Durant's discussion. This work posits that the will is the driving force behind all phenomena, leading to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction and suffering. Despite his pessimism, Schopenhauer's thoughts on aesthetics and compassion reveal a complex thinker who saw art and empathy as temporary escapes from the harshness of reality.
Durant's narrative not only provides a thorough analysis of Schopenhauer's philosophy but also situates it within the broader historical and intellectual context. By doing so, he highlights Schopenhauer's lasting impact on both contemporary and later philosophical thought, including existentialism and psychoanalysis.
This segment of "The Story of Philosophy" serves as an accessible introduction to Schopenhauer's challenging ideas, offering readers insight into one of philosophy's most intriguing and influential figures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Strelbytskyy Multimedia Publishing
• Release date: Jun 25, 2024

Will Durant

Will Durant (1885–1981) was awarded the Pulitzer Prize (1968) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977). He spent more than fifty years writing his critically acclaimed eleven-volume series, The Story of Civilization (the later volumes written in conjunction with his wife, Ariel). A champion of human rights issues, such as the brotherhood of man and social reform, long before such issues were popular, Durant’s writing still educates and entertains readers around the world.