Aesthetic Contemplation as De-Individualization of the Subject in Schopenhauer
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Our reflection on Schopenhauer’s foundational project in The World as Will and Representation, I & II, will be done in two separate texts. In this, the first one, we will examine Schopenhauer’s intention of making a de-individualization of the subject as a condition to release it from suffering in the world. The scope of this intent will be reviewed in the light of the aporetic circular movement characteristic of his main work. We will especially focus on the analysis of the aesthetic contemplation as a first attempt to achieve some temporary salvation from suffering. This attempt is however determined by the methodological effort to make the world something of mine for all time. Because of this determination, efforts devoted to an aesthetic contemplation are revealed as futile, thus showing the need to step into the path of asceticism developed in the fourth book, which will undergo a thorough examination in the second text to appear in the next issue of this journal.
Schopenhauer, suffering, salvation, aesthetic contemplation, selfishnessSchopenhauer, sufrimiento, salvación, contemplación estética, egoísmo