Essay on the Freedom of the Will
Essay on the Freedom of the Will
Book Brief
Beta128
Book • Nonfiction
Germany • 1830s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In On the Freedom of the Will, Arthur Schopenhauer examines the nature of free will, its limitations, and its relationship with determinism. He explores how individuals perceive freedom within personal actions and decisions, contrasting this with external influences and constraints, ultimately contributing to philosophical discourse on human autonomy and moral responsibility.
Challenging
Contemplative
Informative
Dark
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
893 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Arthur Schopenhauer's Essay on the Freedom of the Will is praised for its thorough analysis of free will, showcasing his sharp intellect. Critics commend its clarity and philosophical depth, although some find his deterministic views overly pessimistic. The work's accessibility remains debated, with some readers challenged by its complexity.
Who Should Read Essay on the Freedom of the Will?
Readers interested in Arthur Schopenhauer's Essay on the Freedom of the Will are typically philosophical enthusiasts drawn to metaphysics and determinism. Comparable books attracting such readers include Kant's Critique of Pure Reason and Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil.
893 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Arthur Schopenhauer's "Essay on the Freedom of the Will," written in 1839, won the prize for an essay competition by the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences, showcasing Schopenhauer's critical engagement with the problem of free will.
The essay is part of a broader work titled The Two Fundamental Problems of Ethics, which Schopenhauer considered an important supplement to his previous philosophical work, The World as Will and Representation.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
128
Book • Nonfiction
Germany • 1830s
2005
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!