Edward McKenzie 17421409
PHI3MMW 11/6/2014
According to Nietzsche, we find ourselves in a time of nihilism due to the death of God. Why does he think this? Do you believe that Nietzsche offers an accurate diagnosis of the times? Why or why not?
In the proceeding essay I will attempt to unpack Nietzsche's widely contested views on nihilism, the death of god and the reasoning for his beliefs. I will utilize varying philosophical perspectives, but due to the sheer volume of literature and opinions I will aim to give some key standpoints justice rather then underrepresenting many. I will also consider the extent Nietzsche has provided an accurate diagnosis of our times by juxtaposing the implications of his diagnosis and contemporary society. Finally, I will conclude that in our post-Christian society not only has Nietzsche has offered proper philosophical understanding to the process of a dying god, the loss of ultimate values and inevitable nihilism; but has also provided an alternative progression to nihilism.
English: Vessel
Photo by Hans Olde from the photographic series, T...
The Gay Science'God is Dead', perhaps the most encapsulating and widely known Nietzsche phrase offers poetic insight into the crux of Nietzsche Post-Christian nihilism. However, it is also a term open to wide interpretation and thus misrepresentation. I will begin with a literal summary and explanation of Nietzsche's Parable of The Madman also utilising contextualising sections of Nietzsche's 'The Gay Science' (1882). Nietzsche begins with a madman in a market place, 'crying incessantly: 'I seek God! I seek God!' The surrounding crowd, largely made up of Atheists receive the madman's exclamations with much laughter and heckling. The madman retorts 'Whither is God? ⦠We have killed him - you and I. All of us are his murderers.' He continues 'What were we doing when we unchained the earth from this sun? Whither is it...