Schopenhauer and Adorno on Bodily Suffering ― A Comparative Analysis

Peters discusses Schopenhauer and Adorno, two philosophers whose writings have hitherto not been extensively compared in the English-speaking academic world. Focusing on their ideas about pain and bodily suffering, the author creates a stimulating tension between the historical nature of Schopenhauer's philosophy and the deeply historical character of Adorno's critical analyses. He shows that both have been accused of defending pessimistic theories, in which the notion of freedom disappears and is replaced by an emphasis on metaphysical and social determination. Without overlooking the differences between the two authors, Peters argues that Schopenhauer and Adorno's pessimism is entwined with hopeful analyses of compassion with bodily suffering, the redeeming qualities of the arts, and descriptions of experiences of a metaphysical nature. His fascinating study enhances our understanding of Schopenhauer and Adorno and the former's influence on Critical Theory. It furthermore is a valuable contribution to our ideas about pessimism, optimism and social critique.

Mathijs Peters studied Philosophy at Utrecht University, The Netherlands, The New School for Social Research, USA and the Institut Catholique de Paris, France. He obtained his PhD-degree at the University of Essex, UK and published on Schopenhauer, Adorno and Merleau-Ponty.