What is art - Schopenhauer

Art and philosophy lead us along the path towards enlightenment according to Schopenhauer. This is achieved through a distancing from the will. The combined wills of people in a world of survival is a negative force on the self, preventing us from seeing clearly.

Through art and philosophy a distance from instrumentality and survival thinking can be achieved. This gives a hint at the brightness which is outside of the practical world. We can only achieve this temporary enhanced awareness through a kind of “aesthetic or contemplative distance”.

For him it is not enough to raise up of the human will towards reason through education and culture. The development of practical reasoning is not enlightening because humans are, as willing animals, primarily interested in their survival and self-maintenance.

The will is basic to the nature of the human. Without a will we cannot even stand up or lift a finger.

Enlightenment for Schopenhauer (p 97 Safranski) is a kind of ecstatic experience which can be experienced through becoming free from the world of things and willing. This is achieved through art and philosophy as they facilitate a distancing from instrumentality.

This concept of the role of art is resonant with the idea of Ernst Jandl, that beauty offers an escape from conflict and anxiety.

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