Is the Occult proof for the metaphysical reality of the Will? The Paranormal in Schopenhauer

Summary

In this video, Dr. Justin Sledge explores the fascinating intersection of Schopenhauer’s philosophy and occultism. He delves into Schopenhauer’s concept of the 'will' as the fundamental force behind all existence and its implications for paranormal phenomena like ghosts, divination, and animal magnetism. Schopenhauer views these occult occurrences not as supernatural but as manifestations of the will, which can bypass normal human perception through the 'dream organ.' The video highlights Schopenhauer’s intellectual courage in addressing such fringe topics with philosophical rigor, positioning him as a key thinker in the study of the occult within modern philosophy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Schopenhauer's philosophy is rooted in the concept of the 'will' as the fundamental force of existence, driving everything in the universe.
• 😀 According to Schopenhauer, human life is inherently filled with suffering and dissatisfaction, as the will creates an endless cycle of desire and frustration.
• 😀 The 'will' is not just a personal force but a universal principle that manifests in both consciousness and physical reality, shaping everything from thoughts to objects.
• 😀 Schopenhauer rejected the idea of a benevolent higher power and saw existence as a futile struggle, leading to his reputation as a highly pessimistic philosopher.
• 😀 Schopenhauer explored the occult and paranormal phenomena as a means to support his metaphysical views, believing that such experiences could reveal deeper truths about the will.
• 😀 He considered phenomena like ghosts, divination, and animal magnetism as manifestations of the will's power outside of ordinary consciousness.
• 😀 Schopenhauer argued that the 'dream organ' allowed individuals to perceive the world in ways that defied time, space, and typical perception, including glimpses into the past and future.
• 😀 The philosopher viewed magic as an expression of the will, with the potential for individuals to influence reality through focused intent, similar to occult practices.
• 😀 Schopenhauer’s pessimism extended to the idea that the will's influence over time and events was inevitable, making human perception of the present just a fragment of an eternal, unchanging will.
• 😀 Despite his bleak view of existence, Schopenhauer’s engagement with the occult demonstrates intellectual bravery, as he was one of the last great philosophers to take such fringe ideas seriously.

Q & A

What is the central idea of Schopenhauer's philosophy?

Schopenhauer's philosophy revolves around the concept of the 'will,' a ceaseless and eternal drive that underlies all existence. This will is the core of all phenomena, including human desires, thoughts, and actions, and is seen as the force behind the apparent reality of the world. He believed that the will is blind, mindless, and unending, leading to suffering because human desires can never be fully satisfied.

How does Schopenhauer's view of the will connect to the occult?

Schopenhauer saw occult phenomena, like animal magnetism, clairvoyance, and ghosts, as expressions or manifestations of the will. He believed that these phenomena were not supernatural but rather empirical evidence supporting his metaphysical theory, where the will is the underlying force of all that exists. The will can manifest in altered states of consciousness, such as trances, which allow people to perceive beyond the usual boundaries of space and time.

What role does the 'dream organ' play in Schopenhauer's theory of perception?

The 'dream organ' is a concept Schopenhauer used to describe a type of perception that transcends ordinary consciousness. It operates in states like dreams or trances, where the normal constraints of space, time, and causality are loosened. In these states, individuals can perceive things beyond the usual limits of human experience, such as past or future events, which Schopenhauer linked to paranormal abilities like clairvoyance.

How does Schopenhauer explain the phenomenon of ghosts?

Schopenhauer argued that ghosts are not spirits of the dead but rather imprints of the will left behind by individuals who died with intense desires or unresolved feelings. These impressions are believed to persist in nature, particularly in places where the person experienced significant trauma or emotional intensity. The perception of ghosts is thus seen as a manifestation of the will, not a spiritual encounter.

What does Schopenhauer mean by magic, and how does it relate to the will?

For Schopenhauer, magic is the practical application of the will, allowing individuals to bypass the normal laws of causality, space, and time. He believed that magic wasn't necessarily spiritual but an expression of the metaphysical power of the will. Schopenhauer argued that powerful individuals could manipulate reality using their will alone, much like how expert magnetizers could induce altered states of consciousness in others.

How does Schopenhauer's philosophy view the concept of time?

Schopenhauer, influenced by Kant's philosophy, believed that time, like space and causality, is a structure imposed by human consciousness. In his view, time does not exist as an objective reality but is a subjective feature of perception. He argued that through altered states of consciousness, such as in dreams or trance states, individuals could transcend this subjective perception of time and access a more 'objective' view of reality, where past, present, and future are united.

What is Schopenhauer's view on the possibility of salvation or enlightenment?

Schopenhauer rejected the possibility of true salvation or enlightenment. He believed that any hope for transcendence or liberation from suffering is an illusion, as the will is the driving force behind all desires, including the desire to escape existence. His philosophy posits that we are trapped in a cycle of endless desire and suffering, with only brief distractions available through aesthetic experiences or denial of the will.

Why does Schopenhauer dismiss spiritual explanations for occult phenomena?

Schopenhauer dismissed spiritual explanations for occult phenomena because his philosophy was rooted in idealism, which holds that reality is fundamentally shaped by the will. He believed that spiritual explanations, such as the existence of souls or divine beings, were metaphysical nonsense, as they did not align with his view of the will as the primary, all-encompassing force of existence.

How does Schopenhauer's metaphysical pessimism influence his view of human existence?

Schopenhauer's metaphysical pessimism asserts that existence itself is a form of suffering driven by the insatiable will. He believed that human desires can never be fully satisfied, and that any satisfaction is only temporary, eventually leading to boredom and despair. This view makes existence itself a form of torment, and he suggested that the only brief escape from this suffering comes through aesthetic experiences or a complete denial of the will to exist.

What is Schopenhauer's critique of Western philosophy's optimism?

Schopenhauer critiqued Western philosophy's optimism, particularly the belief in the inherent goodness of existence or the possibility of progress. He believed that most Western philosophers were naive for asserting that existence is inherently good or meaningful. In contrast, he argued that life is fundamentally driven by a blind, unending will, and that any hope for ultimate fulfillment or salvation is ultimately a delusion.