Schopenhauer: A Guide for the Perplexed

by R. Raj Singh

Overview

Arthur Schopenhauer is a widely read, admired and intriguing philosopher whose ideas have had a profound impact on some of the greatest minds of the last two centuries. He is known for his powerful but simple prose-style and a philosophy that tackles everyday life. Yet even the most sympathetic and intelligent reader of his works is likely to be perplexed by seeming inconsistencies and unconventional tone of a number of his major claims.

Schopenhauer: A Guide for the Perplexed is a clear and thorough account of Schopenhauer's philosophy, his major works and ideas, providing an ideal guide to the important and complex thought of this key philosopher. The book explores arguments that he offers for his pessimistic worldview that have long been misunderstood. Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of Schopenhauer contributions to philosophy, this book also presents an in-depth analysis of his western as well as his hitherto neglected eastern sources and influences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826491428
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/08/2010
Series:	Guides for the Perplexed
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	678,419
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

R. Raj Singh is Professor of Philosophy at Brock University, Canada. His previous publications include Death, Contemplation and Schopenhauer (Ashgate, 2007) and Bhakti and Philosophy (Rowman and Littlefield, 2006).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements viii

Abbreviations ix

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 A Contemplative Life 1

Chapter 2 The World as Representation 15

Chapter 3 The World as Will 28

Chapter 4 Suffering and Pointlessness 39

Chapter 5 Aesthetics and the Arts 56

Chapter 6 The Enigma of Love 75

Chapter 7 A Welcome to Eastern Thought 86

Chapter 8 Ethics and Eternal Justice 103

Chapter 9 Death, Philosophy and After-life 119

Chapter 10 Denial and Asceticism 133

Notes 151

Suggestions for Further Reading 153

Index 155