"The Basis of Morality" is a philosophical work written by the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. It was first published in 1840 as an appendix to his main work, "The World as Will and Representation" ("Die Welt als Wille und Vorstellung"). In this work, Schopenhauer delves into the nature of ethics, morality, and the fundamental principles that govern human conduct.
Key themes in "The Basis of Morality" include:
Metaphysical Exploration: Schopenhauer begins by exploring the metaphysical basis of morality, arguing that the foundation of ethics lies in a metaphysical understanding of the human will. He proposes that the ultimate reality is an indomitable, blind, and irrational "will to live" that underlies all phenomena.
Ethical Theory: Schopenhauer develops his ethical theory based on the idea that compassion, or what he calls "universal altruism," is the cornerstone of morality. He argues that individuals should recognize the suffering inherent in all living beings and act with compassion and benevolence toward others.
The Role of Pity: Central to Schopenhauer's moral philosophy is the concept of pity (Mitleid). He sees pity as the direct awareness of the suffering of others and believes that it is the primary motive for ethical behavior. Pity, according to Schopenhauer, transcends individual egoism and forms the basis for moral actions.
Asceticism and the Denial of the Will: Schopenhauer explores the idea of asceticism as a means of transcending the individual will. He suggests that the denial of personal desires and the renunciation of worldly attachments lead to a higher moral state and a reduction of suffering.
Critique of Kantian Ethics: While Schopenhauer acknowledges the influence of Immanuel Kant, he also criticizes certain aspects of Kantian ethics. He proposes his own ethical framework that is more focused on the emotional and intuitive aspects of moral experience.
Schopenhauer's writing is characterized by its depth, clarity, and a certain pessimistic outlook on human existence. "The Basis of Morality" remains an important work in the history of ethics and is considered a significant contribution to the broader philosophical discourse on morality and human nature.