Or does his views about women in general hold true? He does mention a few exceptions in his books. Or perhaps they were very true at the time but in these modern, post-feminist revolution days, are off the mark.
I would pefer answers from people already familar with Shopenhauer, though I will provide a link to his essay "On Women," to refresh your memory.
http://www.theabsolute.net/misogyny/onwomen.html
2007-04-15 02:42:38 · 6 answers · asked by Existentialist 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I don't think his assessment is entirely unfair, especially not in his own time. But he attributes what he observes to nature and not the expectations and limitations placed on us by society. Remnants of what he wrote about linger in women but are not as strong now because women have more options to fend for themselves rather than bewitching a man into taking care of her. Our societal options are no longer so limited. I would hope that if Schopenhauer were alive today he would pick up on the difference and change his assessment.
I try not to judge writings of the past by today's standards of feminism and equality. I don't think that it's historically fair, no more fair than blaming a medieval doctor for not washing his hands. And I would have missed out on a lot of fine writing if I slammed every book down at the first sign of misogyny.
2007-04-15 03:27:55 · answer #1 · answered by K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I remember my philosopy teacher in high school reading to my class one of Schopenhauers lectures.
OMG!
We couldn't believe it!
Yes, he was sexist, but I'd have to agree with some other people who already answered this question that you can't judge someone from the past with todays standards.
2007-04-15 07:17:09 · answer #2 · answered by sanja2lica 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was sexist, thought most of his views on women hold true in the majority of women. But he seems to limit them to it, so it is sexist.
2007-04-15 02:53:45 · answer #3 · answered by Said 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
definitely sexist,,,, you only have to look at the one line
"One need only look at a woman’s shape to discover that she is not intended for either too much mental or too much physical work"
one need look no further, nor contemplate the issue, to know he is wrong, and sexist
2007-04-15 03:24:31 · answer #4 · answered by dlin333 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He might be a sexist-- but is he sexy? Enquiring minds want to know!
2007-04-15 06:23:06 · answer #5 · answered by Timaeus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's a mega sexist alright . 'Nuff said
2007-04-15 05:46:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋