Schopenhauer's pathways toward sensualist origins

Abstract

This article aims to demonstrate the philosophical roots of Arthur Schopenhauer in the sensualist movement. To this end, I propose distancing him from claims of an unrestricted Romantic influence, without dismissing the influx from this movement, which reflects the spirit of his time. The focus is to associate the German philosopher with one of the movements that, though smaller, helped propel the Romantic period: Sensualism. This movement, which attributes all functions of the soul and, consequently, all knowledge to sensations, as presented in Étienne Bonnot de Condillac's Treatise on Sensations – often regarded as the precursor of sensualism – exerted significant influence over French philosophers, among whom were some of his students and disciples who later sought to expand and refine the doctrine. The hypothesis of a sensualist influence on Schopenhauer will be supported through two theses: 1) the transition between intellect and will, presented in his magnum opus, The World as Will and Representation, which will be related to French physiology; and 2) his brief treatise on education, found in Parerga and Paralipomena, which will be associated with Johann Pestalozzi's pedagogy.