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Chapter 1 - The Varieties of Pessimism

from Part I - Nietzsche’s Intellectual Context and Early Reception of Pessimism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 November 2023

Patrick Hassan
Affiliation:
Cardiff University
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Summary

This chapter aims to disentangle some the different views that have often been associated with the term ‘pessimism’. This includes the claims that (1) there is no historical progress; (2) this world is the worst of all possible worlds; (3) happiness is impossible; and (4) life is not worth living. The last thesis is identified as the central concern of the ‘pessimism dispute’, and three different justifications for it are presented. The final section of the chapter considers the expression of pessimism throughout human history and culture, with special attention paid to Schopenhauer’s analysis of religion.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • The Varieties of Pessimism
  • Patrick Hassan, Cardiff University
  • Book: Nietzsche's Struggle against Pessimism
  • Online publication: 02 November 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009380287.004
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  • The Varieties of Pessimism
  • Patrick Hassan, Cardiff University
  • Book: Nietzsche's Struggle against Pessimism
  • Online publication: 02 November 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009380287.004
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • The Varieties of Pessimism
  • Patrick Hassan, Cardiff University
  • Book: Nietzsche's Struggle against Pessimism
  • Online publication: 02 November 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009380287.004
Available formats
×