Schopenhauer on Death, Suicide and Self-Renunciation (IN: Schopenhauer: his Philosphical Achievement, ed. by M Fox)

This chapter discusses the philosophical tenets presented by Schopenhauer regarding death & suicide. Schopenhauer’s theory of palingenesis which asserts that death must be viewed as the disintegration & reconstitution of the individual is summarized. The concept of the will as the dominant feature of individuals is presented. The philosopher’s argument that ‘suicide is opposed to the attainment of the highest moral good since it substitutes for the real salvation from this world one that is merely apparent’ is then analyzed according to principles of will & palingenesis. (19 refs) (SC)