The World as Will and Representation

The World as Will and Representation (original German title, Die Welt als Wille und Vorstellung; sometimes translated as The World as Will and Idea) is the central work of Arthur Schopenhauer and one of the most important philosophical works of the 19th century.

Influence

The value of this work is much disputed. Some rank Schopenhauer as one of the most original and inspiring of all philosophers, whilst others see him as inconsistent and too pessimistic. Whilst his name is not well-known outside Germany, he has had a huge impact on psychoanalysis and the works of Freud; some researchers have even questioned whether Freud was telling the truth when he said that he had not read Schopenhauer until his old age. The notion of the subconscious is present in Schopenhauer's will and his theory of madness was consistent with this. Also, his theory on masochism is still now widely proposed by doctors. Nietzsche, Popper and Tolstoy were all strongly influenced by his work.

Related Topics:
Schopenhauer - Germany - Psychoanalysis - Freud - Madness - Masochism - Nietzsche - Popper - Tolstoy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was the first philosopher to be explicitly atheist (Hume only ever confessed to being agnostic). He even believed in the theory of evolution, before Darwin began to publish his work. His interest in Eastern philosophy brought new ideas to the West. His respect for the rights of animals – including a vehement opposition to vivisection - has led many modern animal rights activists to look up to him.

Related Topics:
Atheist - Hume - Agnostic - Evolution - Darwin - Eastern philosophy - Vivisection - Animal rights

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~