Friedrich Nietzsche Flashcards
The ‘Death of God’ and the Implications for Philosophy (14 cards)
Who was Friedrich Nietzsche?
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) was a German philosopher and former philologist, best known for his radical critiques of religion, morality, and traditional Western values.
Why is Nietzsche significant in philosophy?
Nietzsche introduced key concepts such as the ‘death of God’, nihilism, the eternal recurrence, and the revaluation of all values, which deeply influenced Continental philosophy.
What does Nietzsche mean by ‘God is dead’?
This phrase symbolizes the decline of belief in absolute truths and divine authority in the modern age, leading to the collapse of traditional moral structures.
Where is the phrase ‘God is dead’ found in Nietzsche’s work?
It appears in ‘The Gay Science’, section 125, in the ‘Parable of the Madman’.
What are the three phases of nihilism according to Nietzsche?
- Life-denying nihilism – People cling to old religious or moral values that no longer have meaning.
- Transitional nihilism – After rejecting old beliefs, there’s a period of confusion and loss of meaning.
- Overcoming nihilism – A new phase where individuals create their own values and embrace life with courage and creativity — what Nietzsche calls “joyful wisdom.”
What is transitional nihilism in Nietzsche’s thought?
It is the phase following the ‘death of God’ where meaninglessness prevails, but no new values have yet emerged.
What does Nietzsche mean by overcoming nihilism?
Overcoming nihilism involves affirming life without metaphysical consolation and creating new values grounded in strength and creativity.
What is the ‘eternal recurrence’?
It’s a thought experiment where you imagine living your exact life over and over again, forever. Nietzsche uses it to test whether you truly affirm your life — if you would joyfully accept reliving it endlessly, then you are living authentically and embracing life fully.
Why is the eternal recurrence significant?
It serves as a measure of one’s life-affirmation. Accepting it implies strength and love of life; rejecting it shows resentment.
What is meant by the ‘revaluation of all values’?
Nietzsche’s call to overturn traditional moral values, especially those rooted in Christianity, in favor of values that affirm life and strength.
What is ‘master morality’ in Nietzsche’s philosophy?
A moral framework created by the strong that values pride, power, and nobility.
What is ‘slave morality’ in Nietzsche’s philosophy?
A morality created by the weak, emphasizing humility, pity, and self-denial; Nietzsche associates this with Christianity.
Why does Nietzsche critique Christianity?
He sees it as a life-denying force that promotes weakness, guilt, and submission instead of vitality and excellence.
How did Nietzsche influence later Continental philosophers?
He influenced existentialists like Heidegger and Sartre, and post-structuralists like Foucault and Derrida through his critiques of morality and metaphysics.
