Franz Brentano (1838-1917); History of Philosophy; Value Theory; Phenomenology; Optimism; Pessimism; Metaphysics; Theodicy; Metaethics
Abstract :
[en] Call metaphysical optimism the view that this world is the best of all possible worlds. This article addresses Franz Brentano’s case for metaphysical optimism. I argue that, although Brentano does not offer any conclusive argument in favour of the latter, he disentangles many related issues which are interesting in their own right. The article has five sections corresponding to five claims, which I argue are central to Brentano’s view, namely: (§1) metaphysical optimism is best spelled out as the view that this world is the only good among all possible worlds; (§2) the notion of “correct”—or “fitting”—love offers a criterion of the good and the test of inverted love offers a means to identify that which is good; (§3) pessimism has to be distinguished from pejorism, viz. the view that the non-existence of this world is preferable to its existence; (§4) there is something good involved in every “bad” thing, to the effect that pejorism is false; (§5) it is wrong to consider the value of something in isolation.
Research Center/Unit :
Phénoménologies - ULiège Traverses - ULiège
Disciplines :
Philosophy & ethics
Author, co-author :
Dewalque, Arnaud ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de philosophie > Phénoménologies
Language :
English
Title :
Brentano's Case for Optimism
Publication date :
2019
Journal title :
Rivista di Filosofia Neo-Scolastica
ISSN :
0035-6247
eISSN :
1827-7926
Publisher :
Vita e Pensiero, Milano, Italy
Volume :
CXI
Issue :
4
Pages :
835-47
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Name of the research project :
The Phenomenology of Mentality (F.R.S.-FNRS Research Project / PDR)
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