Deciphering the world: A study in Schopenhauer's metaphysics

In this work, I study Schopenhauer’s metaphysical method as an interpretation of the phenomenal world as will, following his description of his method as comparable to the deciphering of a strange text. I begin by studying Schopenhauer’s account of the world as representation, specifically examining his reasons for characterising self-consciousness as the awareness of the body as it is “in-itself”. I then study his account of the twofold source of the drive to metaphysical knowledge and the way in which the consciousness of one’s own willing may be of use for the interpretation of forces of nature as will. Following this, I discuss his account of aesthetic perception, and argue that this account is of vital importance for his metaphysical interpretation of the world as will. I then discuss Schopenhauer’s account of the experience of sympathy (Sympathie), and consider what value the three kinds of sympathy that he describes may have for his metaphysical project. Following my exegetical study of Schopenhauer’s metaphysical method, I offer a critical examination of his account of the intellect, arguing that his conception of the intellect as a detached spectator is inconsistent with his view of the intellect as a phenomenon of the will embodied in the world. I suggest ways in which this conception of the intellect can be corrected by drawing upon Schopenhauer’s own philosophical thought. I conclude with a positive evaluation of Schopenhauer’s metaphysical project and a discussion of the continuing relevance of this method for philosophy.