"The world as will and representation" is a philosophical concept coined by German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer in his major work titled "The World as Will and Representation" (published in two volumes in 1818 and 1844). This concept refers to Schopenhauer's metaphysical theory of reality.
According to Schopenhauer, the world consists of two fundamental aspects: the will and representation. The will refers to the underlying, irrational, and non-rational force that drives all beings in the world. It is a blind and insatiable striving for existence and fulfillment. It is a universal force that permeates everything, including humans, animals, and even inanimate objects. The will is not guided by reason or logic but rather operates on primal and instinctive desires.
On the other hand, representation refers to the world as it appears to human consciousness. It is the subjective perception and interpretation of the external world through our senses. It includes our experiences, thoughts, and ideas about the world. Representation is shaped by our individual perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and other subjective factors.
Schopenhauer argues that the will and representation are interconnected. He suggests that the will manifests itself through our actions and desires, which are then represented in our consciousness. Our individual wills, combined with the world's representation, create the reality we perceive.
Overall, "the world as will and representation" serves as Schopenhauer's central framework for understanding the nature of reality. It highlights the tension between the irrational, instinctive will and the subjective, interpreted representation, shaping our experience and understanding of the world.
