Abstract

Through a comparative reflection on the notions of compassion and selfishness, it will be revealed how in Schopenhauer’s philosophy human will becomes a conscious force that enables the awakening of compassion, considered the only ‘unselfish’ and ‘authentically moral’ motive. The way that this ‘transformation’ process differs so greatly from Mainländer’s thinking will be analyzed for contrast. As it occurs within the individuality of the volitional subject, compassion will be identified as a form of selfishness resting on a refined variant of the supreme principle of its morality.