John Vespasian

The problem of evil was addressed by Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) by referring to the theory of the will (“life force”), which constitutes the pillar of his philosophy. Schopenhauer defined the will as the force driving living creatures to secure their survival and reproduction, and seek pleasure. John Vespasian explains that, according to Schopenhauer, the will creates endless human desires. As soon as one desire is fulfilled, another one arises. It is simply impossible to satisfy them all. As a result, frustration and suffering ensue. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauer-and-the-problem-of-evil/

In his work “Rhetoric,” Aristotle (384-322 BC) identified a triad of pillars for persuasion and effective speaking. John Vespasian explains that the three pillars (ethos, pathos and logos) refer to the three key elements in communication, namely, the speaker’s fame and credibility, the strength of his arguments, and their emotional impact. Although it only takes a few of hours to familiarise oneself with Aristotelian rhetoric, it is tricky to put it into practice. It is a fact that most people aren’t effective public speakers and that, by attending a communication course, they will barely improve their skills. Why are rhetoric and persuasion so difficult? Plato (429-347 BC) pointed out one of the main reasons that render rhetoric and persuasion so difficult, namely, that people do not want be perceived as manipulative. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/putting-aristotles-theory-of-rhetoric-and-persuasion-into-practice/

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) wrote extensively about the phenomenon of genius. His notes provide clues on how to increase one’s creativity and critical thinking. They give hands-on advice on increasing one’s self-awareness and self-reliance. John Vespasian explains that Schopenhauer observed that geniuses appear to be fearless, or at least, less fearful than the average person. In “Parerga and Paralipomena,” he noted that geniuses are willing to do what needs to be done. They are willing to go as far as necessary to get problems solved. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/lessons-from-schopenhauers-views-on-genius/

The philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) about the nature of evil stands in sharp contrast to other thinkers. For Schopenhauer, evil is a natural phenomenon. It’s the inevitable outcome of the will (“life force”) when left to operate freely. John Vespasian explains that Schopenhauer attributes evil to the life force that prompts all living creatures to secure their survival and reproduction, seek pleasure and maximise short-term gains. This life force doesn’t care about risks, costs, and consequences. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauers-views-on-the-nature-of-evil/

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/

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) devoted his whole life to intellectual pursuits. In particular, he gave extensive thought to their contribution to happiness. John Vespasian explains that intellectual pursuits are commendable when they help fight the negative influence of the will. I mean intellectual pursuits, studies and debates that render individuals self-aware, prudent, and self-reliant. Those intellectual pursuits vastly contribute to increasing happiness. In contrast, Schopenhauer discouraged intellectual pursuits that generate desires, goals and ambitions impossible to fulfil. Life is hard enough, he argued, to add pointless anxiety, stress, and frustration. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauers-views-on-intellectual-pursuits/

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) regarded intellectual and cultural pursuits as potentially detrimental; he recommended to steer away from pursuits that generate unworkable desires and ambitions. Before investing oneself in those, one should figure out the consequences. John Vespasian explains that Aristotle (384-322 BC) must have turned in his grave when learning about Schopenhauer’s views on intellectual pursuits. For Aristotle, it was highly desirable to devote oneself to all sorts of intellectual inquiry. He regarded reason (defined as the ability to employ logic) as a uniquely human characteristic. It’s in your interest to exert your logical ability every single day. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/analysis-of-schopenhauers-views-on-intellectual-pursuits/

For what concerns intellectual and cultural pursuits, are the views of Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) fully original or do they rely on prior philosophers? They are original because they are adding unique, innovative elements to the insights of prior thinkers. John Vespasian explains that, if we want to find philosophers that somewhat anticipate Schopenhauer in this respect, we need to go back twenty-two centuries. I am referring to Ancient Stoic philosophers such as Zeno of Citium (334-262 BC). To the Ancient Stoic arguments, Schopenhauer added two entirely new insights, namely, the acknowledgement that the will (nature) is chaotic and that it’s irrational. Neither Zeno nor any other Ancient Stoic had made these remarks. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/origin-of-schopenhauers-views-on-intellectual-pursuits/

The relationship between art and morality plays a secondary role in the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860). In this area, Schopenhauer failed to establish consistent principles and incurred contradictions. Nevertheless, it teaches us lessons that are worth examining. John Vespasian explains that, for Schopenhauer, artistic experiences (he was in particular referring to playing music and listening to music) help people escape their pressing problems. When enjoying music, theatre, literature or painting, individuals stop perceiving the world and focus their minds on something else. Although Schopenhauer didn’t employ the term “escapism,” his definition of art falls close to this psychological term. One shouldn’t forget that psychologists coined the term “escapism” in the mid-twentieth century, that is, about two hundred years after Schopenhauer’s death. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauers-views-on-the-relationship-between-art-and-morality/

For Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860), wisdom is an effect from philosophy. John Vespasian explains that, according to Schopenhauer, wisdom is a practical outcome from philosophical study, especially from the study of the will (“life force”), which he regarded as the driving force of living creatures. In his book “The world as will and representation” (1818), Schopenhauer outlined his theory of the will and analysed its implications. The more you study the will, the higher your self-awareness and self-reliance, which constitute the basis for all wisdom. What are Schopenhauer’s recipes for acquiring wisdom? He drew some of those recipes from Eastern philosophy, after his study of Buddhism and Hinduism in the period 1808 to 1820. Compassion and empathy belong to Schopenhauer’s concept of wisdom. He held those virtues in high regard because they help practitioners connect to other people, and escape the harsh pressure exerted by the will. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauers-views-on-wisdom/