Schopenhauer’s moral theory

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to clarify the key aspects of Schopenhauer's moral theory. To achieve this goal, several tasks are solved: (1) Schopenhauer's meta-ethical position is clarified, (2) the arguments that Schopenhauer gives in defense of his own moral theory are discussed, (3) the counter-arguments that Schopenhauer brings against Kant's moral theory are analyzed. The methods of conceptual analysis, hermeneutical interpretation of primary sources and rational reconstruction are used. The content of the article is divided into three parts. The first part analyzes the main meta-ethical theses of Schopenhauer's moral theory: it clarifies (1) how the concepts of law and obligation are defined, (2) what meaning is attributed to the predicates “morally good” and “morally right”. A fragment of Schopenhauer's possible normative theory is reconstructed. The main theses of Schopenhauer's theory of motivation are clarified. In the second part, Schopenhauer's objections to the prescriptive concept of morality and the imperative form of moral theory are analyzed in detail. The critique of some theses of Kant's moral philosophy is discussed. Schopenhauer's argument against the “juridical” interpretation of the concept of morality is reproduced. Schopenhauer's reflection on the limits of applicability of the concept of obligation is analyzed. The issue of the boundaries of the deontic interpretation of moral concepts is discussed. The third part examines Schopenhauer's moral theory proper. The thesis of the normative primacy of intentions is analyzed. Schopenhauer's argument in favor of motivational internalism is clarified. The issue of the relationship between reason and emotions within the practical activities of agents, as well as the issue of the role of moral principles, is discussed. The issue of justification of moral actions is considered separately and Schopenhauer's answer to the question of the value of moral actions is analyzed.