A afirmação da vontade de viver no suicídio: uma abordagem filosófica com base em Schopenhauer

Abstract

Through this work, it is possible to gain insight into suicide from the perspective of the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860). The aim of this research is to delve deeper into the theme of suicide based on works such as The World as Will and Representation (Volumes I and II), On Ethics, which includes a translation of some chapters from Parerga and Paralipomena (Volume II), and a chapter from Arthur Schopenhauer in Brazil: in Memory of the 150th Anniversary of Schopenhauer's Death. Schopenhauer's philosophy is rooted in the will, the very essence of everything in Nature, impelling existence and characterized by being irrational, blind, and devoid of purpose. This will manifests in the world through the body, incessantly seeking to satisfy its impulses. Schopenhauer argues that the human being is the most sophisticated expression of the will, yet its differentiation extends beyond mere rationality or biological nature. Contrary to the initial idea that suicide denies the will to live, he argues that it actually represents a violent affirmation of that will. Therefore, a person doesn't truly seek death by committing suicide; rather, they aim to free themselves from the torment of their life – supposedly preferring a different way of living. When the pain becomes unbearable, the fear of death fades, and the idea of non-existence becomes desirable, offering relief. Suicide, contrary to appearances, is rooted in a profound desire to keep living, albeit under different circumstances, where the absence of pain and suffering is the primary objective.