A philosophical “little System”: On Herder’s Influence on Schopenhauer

Abstract

The article deals with Schopenhauer’s first draft of a systematic philosophy, made back in 1812 and called “a little system” (“ein Systemchen”). In order to clarify the context, the fragment emerged in, the article considers other parts of Schopenhauer’s “Manuscript Remains” of that time. Consequently, it is assumed that the fragment owes its existence to an external influence of some other philosopher. This article aims at backing up the thesis that this influence should be attributed to the impact Johann Herder’s “Ideas Toward a Philosophy of History of Mankind” had on the young Schopenhauer. To support the thesis, a number of relevant passages from both the “little system” and Herder’s “Ideas…” are cited. Refs 18.