Dark Matters

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This intellectual history explores how philosophers have confronted the problem of evil and argues for the enduring moral value of pessimism. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, intense debates emerged regarding how a benevolent God could permit evil and suffering within a supposedly good creation. The narrative traces the origins of optimism and pessimism from these discussions, advocating for a renewed appreciation of pessimism as a source of compassion, consolation, and even hope. Mara van der Lugt brings to life a vibrant philosophical era, examining renowned figures such as Leibniz, Hume, Voltaire, Rousseau, Kant, and Schopenhauer, while also introducing lesser-known thinkers like Bayle, King, La Mettrie, and Maupertuis. She illustrates how both early optimists and pessimists were deeply invested in addressing the value of existence in light of human suffering, yet they diverged fundamentally in their proposed answers. This breathtaking work of intellectual history by a leading scholar reveals how pessimism aims to articulate suffering in a way that provides solace and acknowledges life's fragility.