The Art of Dealing with Women - Schopenhauer

Introduction

• The essay addresses the relationship between philosophers and women, focusing on Schopenhauer's view.
• Considers women as the unpredictable side of divine nature.
• Examines how philosophers have treated women throughout history.

Philosophers and Women

• Historically, philosophy has been seen as a male field.
• Some ancient philosophers acknowledged women in philosophy.
• History has erased many contributions of women philosophers.
• Western philosophy has systematically ignored women.
• Examples of philosophers who avoided marriage and their relationships with women.

Schopenhauer and Women

• Schopenhauer's relationship with his mother influenced his negative view of women.
• Experienced several conflicting romantic relationships and failed loves.
• His personal life may explain his misogyny and opinions on women.

Opinions and Concepts of Schopenhauer

The Nature of Women

• Considers women inferior in intellect and strength.
• Women are considered eternal children, socially and mentally.
• Skepticism about women's real interest in culture and the arts.

Male-Female Differences

• Unfair nature favors men in strength and beauty.
• Women mature earlier than men but have limited reasoning.
• Differences in vanity, perception of time, and paternal/maternal love.

Natural Tasks and Roles

• Sees women destined for reproduction and home care.
• Believes women should be obedient and not destined for great tasks.

Women's Defects

• Schopenhauer points out falsehood, infidelity, and tendency to wastefulness as feminine defects.
• Considers women prone to lying and pretending.

Marriage

• Considered as nature's trap for reproduction.
• Critique of the idea of marriage for love, considering it leads to disillusionment.
• Negative opinion on monogamy and equal rights in marriage.

Sexuality

• Schopenhauer sees love as a sexual instinct disguised as romanticism.
• Considers sexual desire as a powerful but deceptive illusion.
• Difference between male and female sexual desire.

Rights and Culture

• Opposes granting equal rights to women.
• Considers that women have no legitimate interest in culture or philosophy.

Final Reflections

• Schopenhauer presents a set of maxims and reflections revealing his pessimistic and critical view on women.
• His work reflects a perception based on prejudice and a negative personal experience with women.

These notes summarize the main ideas and criticisms of Schopenhauer about women and their roles in society, as presented in the text "The Art of Dealing with Women".