The art of aging in the modern age: a schopenhauerian perspective on the aging process and its implications for contemporary psychotherapy

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2179378693873

Keywords:

Aging, Mortality, Psychotherapy

Abstract

This article examines the aging process through Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophical perspective, exploring how his fundamental concepts of Will, representation, and suffering can offer valuable insights for understanding old age in contemporary society. The study analyzes the influence of Schopenhauerian thought on modern psychology and gerontology, with special attention to Irvin D. Yalom's work and its application in existential psychotherapy. The paper proposes a more humanized view of aging, contrasting with predominant ageist paradigms, and suggests pathways toward a more inclusive and respectful society for the elderly. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining philosophy, psychology, and gerontology, this research demonstrates how Schopenhauer's contemplative wisdom can transform our understanding of aging from decline to potential spiritual and intellectual growth. The findings suggest that embracing mortality consciousness and developing contemplative capacities can lead to what Schopenhauer termed the art of aging - a process of liberation from the tyranny of desire and achievement of deeper wisdom.

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Author Biography

Eli Berto Dambros, Secretaria de Educação do Estado do Paraná, SEED - PR

Mestre em Filosofia pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná. Professor do Quadro Próprio do Magistério do Paraná. Traduziu as obras do Barão de Holbach: Da crueldade religiosa, O contágio sagrado e O cristianismo desvelado. 

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Published

2025-11-27

How to Cite

Dambros, E. B. (2025). The art of aging in the modern age: a schopenhauerian perspective on the aging process and its implications for contemporary psychotherapy. Voluntas: International Journal of Philosophy, 16(1), e93873. https://doi.org/10.5902/2179378693873

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025): Schopenhauerian Studies - Ed. 36

Section

Schopenhauerian Studies (Continuous Flow)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Eli Berto Dambros

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