On the Tragic

Originally published in Norwegian in 1941, this is the magnum opus of one of Norway’s most celebrated philosophers, now made available in English for the first time. It examines the concept of the tragic and attempts to construct a more precise and useful definition on the basis of a "biosophical" look at the situation of organisms in their environment and their attempt to realize interests on multiple fronts through abilities they possess in a variety of degrees. This is a theory of genius, and of the dangers that frequently accompany it, and a sober account of the perils of consciousness for the human species. The robust and thorough treatment includes in-depth analysis of the relationship between real-world tragedies and those portrayed in theater and literature.
The English translation of On the Tragic by the Norwegian philosopher, writer, and environmentalist Peter Wessel Zapffe is a major achievement that for the first time introduces this classic text to Anglophone readers. On the one hand, the text is highly relevant to contemporary debates on the meaning of life and anti-natalism (the view that birth and life have negative value); on the other, it is a major text in 20th century Existentialism and Pessimism that develops an original theory of the human condition (as being characterized by meaninglessness and injustice). Finally, the text is known for its high literary level, vivid descriptions, and black humor.
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