The theory of the will constitutes the key element in all books by Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) and the most distinctive aspect of his philosophy. Schopenhauer regarded “the Will” as the fundamental force in nature, a force that drives animal and human existence. Schopenhauer is the most important thinker in the decades after Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), but rejected many of Kant’s ideas. Schopenhauer admired Kant, but disagreed with his cold view of the universe. Kant regarded reason and morality as the drivers of history, but had failed to explain the high levels of irrationality present in human society. He had theorized about universal values and ethics, but failed to explain chaos, conflict and war. In contrast, Schopenhauer’s theory of the Will gives a solid explanation for irrational behaviour. Instead of theorizing that the world is guided by reason and ethics, Schopenhauer names “the Will” as the ultimate source of animal and human actions. According to Schopenhauer, the Will cares little for reason and morality. It is an irrational, blind force that drives animals and humans towards self-preservation and reproduction. Does the Will have a purpose? To the extent that it does, its main goal is the perpetuation of life. However, Schopenhauer regards other goals as equally strong. He describes the Will as insatiable, as a constant source of new desires and cravings. Schopenhauer’s theory of metaphysics consists of searching for manifestations of the Will in society. He sees the Will as an abstract force taking endless shapes and constantly changing direction. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauers-theory-of-the-will/

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