The Basis of Morality

"The Basis of Morality" by Arthur Schopenhauer presents a profound inquiry into the underpinnings of ethical behavior, challenging the Kantian premise of moral acts grounded in rationality. Schopenhauer argues that true morality stems from compassion, asserting that the capacity to empathize with the suffering of others is the sole source of good. Through rigorous analysis and critique, he explores the limitations of egoism and the concept of justice, ultimately proposing a moral philosophy that prioritizes the inherent value of all living beings. This philosophical treatise invites readers to reconsider the essence of moral actions and the nature of compassion's role in ethical life.