Schopenhauer: a critique ofarguments against pessimism

Abstract

        This article is intended to challenge certain arguments accusing the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer of having an overly “pessimist” perspective or holding that he possessed an extremely pessimistic character that may cause more disadvantages than advantages to those who study his philosophy.
        The presentation is structured into three parts. The first part describes the meaning of life from the perspective of Schopenhauer. The second part presents the arguments to dispute and support the view of pessimism. Finally, the author suggests the possibility of compromise by acknowledging some of the strengths of viewing the world realistically, which requires a pessimistic critique of life centered on turbocharged desire.