Description
Book SynopsisSchopenhauer''s prize essay
On the Freedom of Will is one of the classics of Western philosophy, dealing with the question of free will versus determinism. His treatment of the problem of free will is by no means obsolete, containing penetrating reflections relevant to contemporary discussion.
The argument of the essay is clearly and rigorously presented, and reveals many basic features of Schopenhauer''s thought. As such, it forms a useful introduction to Schopenhauer''s philosophy in general. Equally, the essay can be studied with profit independently of Schopenhauer''s metaphysical views.
This new edition of the sole English translation of this classic text contains and expanded bibliography, index and preface in which the translator comments on recent scholarship on Schopenhauer. The translator''s introduction puts the essay into the context of Schopenhauer''s general philosophy and suggests some possible criticisms of his position.
Table of ContentsPreface v
Introduction vii
I Definition of Concepts 3
II The Will and the Self-Conciousness 14
III The Will and the Consciousness of Other Things 27
IV Predecessors 65
V Conclusion and a Higher View 91
Appendix 100
Selected Bibliography 105
Index 109
