Bryan Magee's The Philosophy of Schopenhauer is the definitive study of Arthur Schopenhauer. Following a short biographical introduction, Magee comprehensively analyzes Schopenhauer's philosophical system, critically examines a number of its problematic aspects, and explores the broad and unique influence it has had on philosophers, scientists, and artists. This exposition was originally published by Oxford University Press in 1983, then revised and enlarged in 1997 with three new chapters.

Schopenhauer's philosophy is significant for a variety of reasons. He starts from Kant's distinction between the phenomenal (the empirical world of experience) and the noumenal (the unseen and unknowable reality behind or within the phenomenal world), identifying the noumenal world as 'the will', a universal force or energy that manifests itself into the variegated phenomena, both animate and inanimate, of the entire physical world, and discovers parallels between his philosophical insights and the teachings of Eastern spirituality (particularly Buddhism), without neglecting the importance of scientific investigation. He bases his ethical philosophy on compassion rather than reason, a reversal of Kant's ethics, and indeed, traditional Western philosophical ethics. His ideas have proved profoundly inspirational not only to philosophers, but also to psychologists and artists. His work and influence was severely neglected for most of the twentieth century, but has experienced a recent resurgence of interest.

Magee's book is a fluid read. He lucidly demonstrates deep insights into Schopenhauer's philosophy, as well as its special influence. It is an ambitious work, yet directly endears itself to the reader, particularly if the reader is familiar with the Schopenhauerian philosophy. This is so because of Magee's own personal investment in Schopenhauer's ideas. While he certainly does not agree with everything Schopenhauer has to say, and points out logical problems with the philosophy which he labels as "severe", it remains clear that he has been deeply touched by a great deal of the philosopher's thought. Elsewhere, in his Confessions of a Philosopher, he says of Schopenhauer, "He speaks to me as no other philosopher does, direct and in his own human voice, a fellow-spirit, a penetratingly perceptive friend, with a hand on my elbow and a twinkle in his eye." The reader who considers himself a Schopenhaurian will feel while reading this book that he has found a powerful ally in Magee. He very eloquently exhibits an impressive command of his subject and capacity for its exposition, discussing Schopenhauer's philosophy within the context of philosophy's intellectual history, as well as that of creative art and psychology. In addition, Magee offers a number of original insights into different aspects of Schopenhauer's philosophy.

On the title page, Magee offers this quote from Schopenhauer's Criticism of the Kantian Philosophy: "It is far easier to point out the faults and errors in the work of a great mind than to give a clear and full exposition of its value." Magee has not taken the easy path with this study.

The book contains twenty-one chapters divided into two parts. Part one (chapters 1-11) is concerned primarily with Schopenhauer's philosophical system, while part two (chapters 12-21) explores the philosophy's historical connections, intellectual relations, and wide-ranging influences.

excellent book.