1. The Philosophies of Descartes, Nietzsche and Schopenhauer
Lesson 7/9
October 2013

2. Atheism – “there is no God”
Before exploring the work of a few philosophers, let’s distinguish between two words.
Atheism – “there is no God”
Agnostic – There may be a God, will stay indifferent

3. Rene Descartes ( )
French Philosopher, scientist and mathematician (think Cartesian theory x-y axis!)
Sometimes called the father of modern philosophy

4. Descartes Philosophy
Attempted to apply the rational inductive methods of science, and particularly mathematics, to philosophy.
Inductive reasoning: the process of reasoning to probable explanations or judgements

5. Scholasticism
Before Descartes, philosophy had been dominated by the method of Scholasticism
Scholasticism was based on comparing and contrasting the views of recognized authorities
St. Thomas Aquinas

6. Quote
Descartes, determined to hold nothing true until he had established grounds for believing it true (scientific approach)
Descartes finally concludes that he cannot be deceived into thinking that he does not exist when in fact he does, for unless something existed there would be nothing to deceive.

7. Cogito ergo sum
The single sure fact from which his investigations began was expressed by Descartes in the famous quote: ‘I think, therefore I am.’
From this beginning Descartes argued the existence of God
God according to Descartes’ philosophy, created two classes of substance that make up the whole of reality.

8. Two Substances One class was thinking substances, or minds
The other class was extended substances, or bodies
This ‘Two Substance’ approach lead to the Cartesian theory known as: Dualism

9. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)
A German philosopher, poet, composer and classical philologist
He became one of the most provocative and influential thinkers of the 19th century.

10. Life and Work
Born in Röcken, Prussia to a Lutheran minister and his wife - his father died when he was 5
Raised by his mother, grandmother, two aunts and a sister
Studied classical philology at the universities of Bonn and Leipzig
Appointed professor of classical philology at the University of Basel at the age of 24.

11. Health and Death
Ill health – poor eyesight and migraine headaches – forced his retirement in 1879
Ten years later he suffered a mental breakdown from which he never recovered
He died in Weimar on August 25, 1900

12. Influences
In addition to the influences of Greek culture, particularly the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle
He was also influenced by:
the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer
Darwin’s theory of evolution
His friendship with composer Richard Wagner

13. Selected Writings The Birth of Tragedy Thus Spoke Zarathustra
Beyond Good and Evil
On the Genealogy of Morals
The Antichrist
Ecce Homo
The Will to Power

14. Belief
Nietzsche basic philosophical point was that traditional values – mostly represented by Christianity – had lost their power in the lives of individuals
Nietzsche proclaimed: God is dead.
Traditional values represented a “slave morality”, created by weak and resentful individuals who encouraged gentleness and kindness because this behaviour served their interests.

15. Solution: Superman
Nietzsche claimed that new values could be created to replace traditional ones
This led to his concept of the overman or superman: Übermensch

16. Qualities of the Übermensch
This new man was independent, secure and highly individualistic.
He feels deeply but his passions are rationally controlled
His focus is on the this world, the real world, not the next world
He is a creator of values and a “master of morality” that reflects strength and independence of one who is liberated from all values, except those that he deems valid.

17. Will to Power
Nietzsche maintained that all human behaviour is motivated by the will to power.
This is not simply power over others, but the power over oneself that is necessary for true or authentic creativity
This is found in the individual’s independence, creativity and originality.

18. Historic Examples
Although Nietzsche denied that any overmen had yet arisen he does mentioned several individual who could serve as models.
Anyone see anything wrong with this picture?
Shakespeare
Julius Ceasar
Napoleon
Socrates
Jesus

19. Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)
A German philosopher, who is known for his philosophy of pessimism
Pessimism: A tendency to stress the negative or unfavourable or to take the gloomiest possible view

20. Background
Born in Danzig, he was educated at several universities including Berlin
Settled in Frankfurt where led a solitary life

21. Influences
Became deeply involved in the study of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy and mysticism
Also influenced by the German mystic and theologian Meister Eckhart
As well as scholars of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment

22. Major Work
His book The World as Will and Idea (1819) proposed his dominant ethical and metaphysical ideas of atheistic and pessimistic philosophy
This was in sharp contrast to the dominant German philosopher of the time G.W.F. Hegel who believed in the spiritual nature of reality

23. Philosophy
According to Schopenhauer the will is not limited to voluntary action; all experienced activity of the self is the will – even the subconscious thoughts or actions
Tragedy results as the will constantly urges the individual toward goals none of which can provide permanent or lasting satisfaction
What is this similar too? (last assignment)

24. Philosophy - 2
Thus, the will inevitably leads a person to pain, suffering and death
This cycle is repeated in rebirth (reincarnation)
It can only be brought under control through an attitude of resignation
In which the reason governs the will to the extent that all striving or desire ceases.
How pessimistic is that?

25. Understanding
Schopenhauer’s philosophy revealed the strong influence that Buddhism and Christianity had on his ideas
His pessimism indicates a gross misinterpretation of both traditions

26. Philosophy of Love
Schopenhauer was also renowned for his hostility towards women
He argued that human sexual activity are not the result of sentimental love but by the irrational impulses of the will

27. Who he influenced?
Schopenhauer had little influence on philosophy of his own time but was very influential on the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche, as well as the musical work of Richard Wagner. Both of whom had a profound effect on the actions and ideas of this man…

29. The Result

30. Consolidation
With a partner, use you phone to find a quote from each philosopher. On a piece of paper, write each quote and answer the following question.
How does this quote represent the theories/beliefs of its author?