Deck 35: World As Will and Representation Excerpts

Question 1

With respect to our desires, Schopenhauer believes that

A) they are limitless, each satisfied desire replaced by a new one.
B) their satisfaction rarely brings us prolonged happiness.
C) they are all rooted in the pursuit of fame or reputation.
D) both (a) and (b)

Answer 1

both (a) and (b)

Question 2

Schopenhauer believes that we systematically overestimate our prospects for happiness and systematically underestimate the pains, frustrations, and suffering in life.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

According to Schopenhauer, over time our pleasures

A) become more focused on our bodies.
B) are equally balanced with our pains.
C) shrink in number.
D) will diminish as we become accustomed to them.

Answer 3

will diminish as we become accustomed to them.

Question 4

For Schopenhauer, humans' high level of intelligence is paradoxical in that

A) we rarely learn anything useful.
B) our capacity for knowledge increases our capacity to suffer.
C) they use their knowledge to engage in injustice and cruelty toward one another.
D) our knowledge still pales next to that of God's.

Question 5

What does Schopenhauer mean by the "vanity of all objects of the will"? In what sense is human desire and action "vain," according to Schopenhauer? Do you agree with this conclusion? Why or why not?

Question 6

Does Schopenhauer view human existence as essentially meaningless? In his estimation, does death impact the meaningfulness of human life? In what sense is dying the "aim" or "result" of life? Are you sympathetic to Schopenhauer's views regarding death and the meaningfulness of life?