Schopenhauer's Philosophy of Religion

Head, Jonathan

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of Schopenhauer’s philosophy of religion, highlighting its rather ambiguous treatment in scattered remarks throughout his corpus. The discussion begins by considering Schopenhauer’s account of the source of religion in a universally-felt ‘need for metaphysics’, a desire for both truth and consolation in the face of questions about the nature of existence. In this account, religion appears as a potential avenue towards a deeper understanding of the world (albeit through a veil of symbolism or mythology), while remaining sullied by an egotistical desire to gain control over an unpredictable and challenging environment. This leads into a discussion of Schopenhauer’s rejection of any attempt to rationally prove the existence of God, which is illegitimate given religion’s foundation in a-rational elements of our cognition. The chapter then goes on to consider Schopenhauer’s treatment of religion’s mixed role in society: on the one hand, organised religion tends to overstep its proper boundaries, in terms of claiming both illegitimate political power and direct revelation of fundamental truths, while on the other, it acts as a useful support for a peaceful social order. Finally, a potential role for God in Schopenhauer’s philosophy is considered. Contrary to the recent arguments of some scholars, it is argued that Schopenhauer’s view of the world can offer a role for a very distant God at best.

• Acceptance Date: Jun 5, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Oct 31, 2023
• Publication Date: Oct 31, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jun 7, 2023
• Publisher: Routledge
• Edition: 1
• Book Title: The Schopenhauerian Mind
• Chapter Number: 21
• Publisher URL: https://www.routledge.com/The-Schopenhauerian-Mind/Woods-Stoll/p/book/9780367501532#