Os sentidos da felicidade: uma introdução ao estudo da metafísica da felicidade e da sabedoria de vida em Schopenhauer

Abstract

This study is a research on the notion of happiness in the philosophy of Schopenhauer. We intend to show the different meanings or perspectives of approach which this concept takes on Schopenhauer thoughts in two key areas where it develops its ethical reflection: in the metaphysical field and pragmatic or empirical-psychological domain. The analysis starts exposing the distinctive and complex character of the moral philosophy of Schopenhauer, seeking to pave the way to expose the conceptual features of his approach and the problems that its metaphysical reflection model imposes for treatment that theme. The exhibition obeys the following steps: first, we present the presence of the issue of happiness at various stages of the intellectual development of Schopenhauer and we make explicit that his analysis is based on an implicit project in its ethics, which was to bring moral reflection to the most relevant questions of human existence, in its various aspects. Secondly, we characterize the structural design of the main notions of Schopenhauerian happiness from the fundamental perspective of his philosophy, namely, metaphysics. This section sets forth an understanding of the basis of the theme of happiness through the discussion of metaphysical questions in their epistemological developments, aesthetic and ethical, and later, analysis of the three major existential conditions that can be interpreted as states of happiness: the common happiness or "earthly", "pure happiness" and holy bliss. Third, we present the second fundamental perspective of exposure of happiness that corresponds to the pragmatic aspect, developed by the so-called eudemonologia of Schopenhauer. In this section we present the basic conceptual premise of Schopenhauer's practical philosophy that guided the reflection on the subject. The fundamental concepts were explored both through Schopenhauers dialogue with tradition of ancient philosophy, and also seeking to enter the theoretical difficulties that the proposal of science or prudential wisdom for the conduct of life in the Aphorisms of Wisdom for Life places to Schopenhauer. Finally, an analysis of significant or evaluative aspects around elements or ingredients of the happy life and psychological properties of happiness in connection with the analysis of Schopenhauer in aphorisms and some aspects of contemporary moral psychology was made. The final chapter is intended as a supplement to the empirical-psychological analysis developed in the third, although there is also given emphasis to some scientific discoveries about happiness that agree and provide an empirical foundation for conceptual insights of Schopenhauer. The study of contemporary theories reveals that the conclusions of the philosopher on the fundamental elements of happy life and specific psychological.