The Basis of Morality

In The Basis of Morality, Arthur Schopenhauer argues that compassion, not reason or duty, is the foundation of ethical behavior, critiquing Kant's rational, duty-bound approach in Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals. Schopenhauer emphasizes a descriptive rather than prescriptive ethics, exploring how passion and desire shape moral character. Anticipating modern critiques, he incorporates Kant's transcendental idealism while positioning compassion as central to morality. His metaphysics of morals highlights interconnectedness and resonates with Eastern philosophical traditions, offering a humane and profound ethical perspective