The Basis Of Morality (1915)

''The Basis of Morality'' is a philosophical treatise by Arthur Schopenhauer, originally published in 1840 and later revised in 1860. In this work, Schopenhauer explores the fundamental principles of ethics and morality, arguing that they are grounded in the nature of human beings and the world around them. He contends that morality is not a matter of subjective preference or cultural convention, but rather a universal and objective standard that can be discovered through reason and reflection.Schopenhauer begins by examining the nature of human motivation, arguing that all actions are ultimately driven by a desire for happiness or the avoidance of suffering. He then goes on to discuss the concept of the will, which he sees as the underlying force behind all human action. Schopenhauer argues that the will is an irrational and insatiable force that can never be fully satisfied, leading to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction and suffering.From this analysis, Schopenhauer develops his ethical theory, which he calls the ethics of compassion. He argues that morality is based on the recognition of the suffering of others and the desire to alleviate that suffering. He contends that the highest moral imperative is to act in a way that minimizes the suffering of all sentient beings.Throughout the book, Schopenhauer draws on a wide range of philosophical and literary sources, including Plato, Kant, and Shakespeare, to support his arguments. ''The Basis of Morality'' is a complex and challenging work that remains a significant contribution to the field of ethics and moral philosophy.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.