Nietzsche vs Schopenhauer on Tragety

Present Nietzsche’s distinction between the Apollonian and Dionysian. What is the significance of the interplay of these principles in Greek tragedy? How does this contrast with Schopenhauer’s view of tragedy?

According to Schopenhauer, what are “principium individuations”?

The mechanism by which individual beings and objects are distinguished from one another through time and space.

Why does Schopenhauer think that the illusion of principium individuations is false/

He believes that all individual both living and objects are collective representations of the will

Why does Schopenhauer think that the illusion of principium individuations can be harmful?

It causes us to see ourselves as separate and prioritize our own needs over others. This creates conflict, competition and suffering.

What does Apollonian refer to?

A symbol of the world as representations

What are some examples of things that the Apollonian represents?

Light, order, clarity and structure

The Apollonian is the force that shapes what into what?

Shapes chaos into beautiful forms

We can think of the Apollonian as the image of what?

principium individuations (form and boundaries)

What is the Apollonian drive?

The tendency to aim for perfection of form and idealized imitations of nature

The Apollonian drive is associated with productions of what?

Glorifying individuality; characters in plays or objects in paintings

What is the Apollonian effect?

peaceful contemplation?

What is characteristic of the Apollonian drive?

Seeking idealized representations of things, like objects without imperfections

What does the Dionysian refer to?

A symbol of the world as the will (beyond representations and individual form)

What are some examples of things that the Dionysian represents?

Chaos, emotions and instinct

What is one way that the Dionysian related the Dionysus (the god of wine)

The Dionysian effect is where the individual dissolves into a collective whole, like a drunkenness or loss of self

What is the Dionysian drive?

Formless, chaotic and non-mimetic. It is expressed primarily in musical works

What is the Dionysian effect

Ecstasy and unity

What does the Dionysian effect look like when listening to music?

A feeling of the difference between individuals dissolving. A loss of one’s own individuality and subjectivity.

Does one experience the Dionysian effect of dissolving into a collective entity to be terrifying?

No, we find solace and comfort in this feeling of elemental oneness

What is the appeal of the Dionysian effect?

We all want to be part of a long-lasting connection. The Dionysian art gives us that opportunity

After experiencing Dionysian art, what happens when we are brought back to the real world?

We experience negative feelings as we are confronted with the painful truth of existence.

How do we rescue ourselves from the negative feelings that arise after experiencing Dionysian art?

To partake in Apollonian art?

Why does Apollonian art save us from the negative feelings created in our post-Dionysian state?

The pleasure we derive from the idealized forms seduces us back into a life-affirming mindset

What is the interplay between Apollonian and Dionysian elements in Greek tragedy?

Both elements are present in greek tragedy and balance each other out

Where do Apollonian elements exist in Greek tragedies?

the dramatic events on stage; form, structure and individual characters

Where do Dionysian elements exist in Greek tragedies?

in the orchestra; music, rhythm, and collective emotion

According to Schopenhauer, what is the aesthetic experience?

The emotional and cognitive response to seeing artistic or natural beauty. A brief release from the endless cycle of the will)

According to Schopenhauer, why does tragedy provide a problem for aesthetic experiences?

Intentionally viewing something horrible seems to be anti-aesthetic in nature

According to Schopenhauer, why do we experience pleasure when watching a tragic play?

Because the events on stage grip our attention and transport us beyond the ceaseless striving of the will (much like the aesthetic experience)

What does Schopenhauer think is the message that tragedies convey to the audience?

That life is hopeless and full of suffering. Even good people get taken advantage of.

Why does Schopenhauer think that it is good for tragedies to tell people that life is filled with suffering?

The recognition of suffering leads us to resignation and detachement of life, which is what every person should aspire to do.