ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Schopenhauer's claim that history is a form of knowledge, but not a science proper. It shows how history sometimes succeeds and sometimes fails in satisfying Schopenhauer's qualitative and logical requirements for knowledge claims to count as scientific. It then shows the ways history sometimes succeeds and sometimes fails to satisfy Schopenhauer's criteria for knowledge being a form of “Poesis” or poetic art. Finally, it argues that, instead of merely disregarding history, Schopenhauer instead considers history as a form of knowledge that stands as a crucial middle ground between “Wissenschaft” and “Poesis,” one that at least intimates the character of the Will through its representation of historical facts.
Most Anglophone commentators either ignore Schopenhauer's normative ethics or dismiss it as simplistic. This chapter argues that Schopenhauer in fact offers a rich normative ethics. Taking a cue from Scanlon, it offers a reading of Schopenhauer on which actions are subject to five distinct dimensions of ethical assessment. The resulting view is nuanced and, in many respects, attractive. The chapter concludes, however, by arguing that none of the evaluative dimensions equip Schopenhauer to condemn actions that are motivated by misplaced compassion, as when a member of an oppressive class self-sacrifices in order to maintain the status quo.
