Im Schatten Schopenhauers: Nietzsche, Deussen und Freud

Abstract

This study examines how Friedrich Nietzsche, Paul Deussen, and Sigmund Freud adopted and adapted essential elements of the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer. First, Nietzsche's critique of Schopenhauer's ethics of compassion is examined, along with its premises. Then, the distortions to which Deussen subjected Schopenhauer's philosophy are described; through these distortions Deussen, the friend of Nietzsche and founder of the Schopenhauer Society, sought, in the guise of the orthodox disciple, to justify philosophically a protestant Christ-image. Finally, Freud's borrowing of content and structure from Schopenhauer's writings are highlighted, and, among other things, his use of these to name and interpret depth-psychological phenomena. In doing so, his role in the history of ideas as the actual heir of Schopenhauer is emphasised. Nietzsche, Deussen, and Freud developed their respective approaches with reference to Schopenhauer's philosophy, without which they could not have come to their reflections. In this sense they stand in the shadow of Schopenhauer