John Vespasian

Errors in Schopenhauer’s views on the problem of evil


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Did Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) provide a waterproof answer to problem of evil? John Vespasian explains that Schopenhauer had based his analysis of evil on his theory of the will. He built his logic on the assumption that the will (a wild, irrational, cosmic force) can take control of humans, and drive them to engage in exploitation, victimisation, and abuses. Aristotle (384-322 BC) knew much better than that. He had grasped perfectly that morality applies only to humans because only humans are capable of reason. Natural events (for example, storms and floods) operate in a fully automatic manner. They cause damage and suffering, but it is pointless to call nature “evil” or “malevolent.” Here is the link to original article: https://johnvespasian.com/errors-in-schopenhauers-views-on-the-problem-of-evil/
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John VespasianBy John Vespasian