Schopenhauer on Fear

Abstract

In continual search for the various roots (and routes) of W. thought in regard to making sense of “fear,” the author pursues a preliminary investigation of the great German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860). He concludes that Schophenhauer’s work is a critical philosophy: (a) underestimated in importance overall in the philosophical canon of W. thinking, (b) it is largely (mis-)interpreted on some important points, especially the stereotyping of its “pessimism” and (c) it is a philosophy ready (with some re-adaptations) for the Anthropocene era of dangerous collapse of ecological and social systems. The author suggests a much larger work of study and writing is still required to bring Schopenhauer’s work alive and in preparation for the 21st century and this technical paper barely touches on the surface of such an exploration.