According to Aristotle sympathy is defined as a kind of pain induced by the suffering from another person. This suffering which the person has not deserved in this case could also happen to the person who is experiencing the sympathy in this situation. In the late nineteenth-century a new way of regarding sympathy came up. There were artists and scholars who did not support the thesis any more that sympathy is a part of humanity and functions as a base factor of our moral system. The following essay will introduce the reader to the two most famous proponents of the rejection of sympathy as a human necessity. One of them will represent the philosophical world, one of them the world of arts. As a conclusion there is the attempt of an explanation for the agreement of those two different proponents of the theory.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Friedrich Nietzsche's and Oscar Wilde's Critique of Sympathy
- Arthur Schopenhauer's Philosophy of Sympathy
- Nietzsche's Critique of Sympathy
- Plato's Critique of Sympathy
- Oscar Wilde's Critique of Sympathy
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore the critique of sympathy offered by Friedrich Nietzsche and Oscar Wilde. It examines their perspectives on sympathy's role in human nature and morality, contrasting them with the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer, who viewed sympathy as a fundamental moral force. The essay delves into the historical development of the concept of sympathy and explores the reasons behind Nietzsche and Wilde's rejection of it.
- The Philosophical and Artistic Critique of Sympathy
- The Role of Sympathy in Morality
- The Concept of the “Übermensch”
- The Relationship between Sympathy and Suffering
- The Impact of Sympathy on Human Nature
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The essay begins by introducing Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophy of sympathy and its significance within classical German philosophy. It then establishes the historical context of the late 19th-century critique of sympathy, highlighting the shift in perspective towards a more critical understanding of its function. The essay then focuses on Friedrich Nietzsche's rejection of sympathy, analyzing his arguments and connecting them to his broader philosophy of the "Übermensch." The essay further explores Nietzsche's critique of sympathy through his writings, highlighting key themes such as the importance of self-mastery and the inherent strength in suffering. Finally, the essay introduces Oscar Wilde as a prominent critic of sympathy within the world of literature, setting the stage for a deeper analysis of his views.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay examines the critique of sympathy by focusing on key concepts such as: sympathy, morality, suffering, "Übermensch," self-mastery, egoism, and "whining music." It explores the philosophical and artistic perspectives of Nietzsche and Wilde, highlighting their rejection of sympathy as a human necessity and its implications for human nature and morality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Aristotle define sympathy?
Aristotle defined sympathy as a kind of pain induced by the undeserved suffering of another person, which could potentially happen to the observer as well.
What was the late 19th-century shift regarding the concept of sympathy?
During this period, artists and scholars began to reject the idea that sympathy is a fundamental part of humanity or a necessary base for a moral system.
What was Friedrich Nietzsche's main critique of sympathy?
Nietzsche rejected sympathy, viewing it as a weakness that hinders the development of the "Übermensch." He emphasized self-mastery and the inherent strength found in suffering over "whining music" or pity.
How does Arthur Schopenhauer's view contrast with Nietzsche's?
Schopenhauer viewed sympathy as a fundamental moral force, whereas Nietzsche and Wilde saw it as something to be critiqued or rejected as a human necessity.
Who represents the artistic critique of sympathy in this essay?
Oscar Wilde is presented as the prominent critic of sympathy within the world of arts and literature.
- Quote paper
- Timo Dersch (Author), 2011, Friedrich Nietzsche’s and Oscar Wilde’s Critique of Sympathy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/180142
