Deep Dive
What is nihilism according to Nietzsche?
Nihilism, according to Nietzsche, means the self-devaluation of the highest values. He articulated this in his work 'The Will to Power,' where he described nihilism as the process by which the highest values lose their significance.
How did Heidegger differ from Nietzsche in defining nihilism?
Heidegger viewed nihilism as a process rather than a result, emphasizing its existential nature. He believed Nietzsche's definition was insufficient because it didn't address what constitutes value or the highest value, focusing instead on value as a given.
What role did the Enlightenment play in the rise of nihilism?
The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on rationalism, led to the disenchantment (Entzauberung) of the world. By encouraging the use of reason to question and analyze everything, including the highest values like religion and morality, it paved the way for nihilism as these values were found lacking under rational scrutiny.
What are the two types of nihilism Nietzsche identified?
Nietzsche distinguished between active nihilism and passive nihilism. Active nihilism is a sign of increased spiritual strength, where old values are destroyed to make way for new ones. Passive nihilism, on the other hand, is a sign of spiritual decline, where individuals no longer find meaning in old values and seek comfort in distractions or superficial beliefs.
What are some contemporary manifestations of nihilism?
Contemporary nihilism manifests in several ways: the dominance of utilitarianism, where money and power are prioritized over ideals; relativism, where truth and morality are seen as subjective; cynicism, where individuals mock ideals and follow societal norms without conviction; and existential anxiety, where people feel a pervasive sense of meaninglessness in life.
What are the four stages of nihilism as described by Eugene Thacker?
Eugene Thacker described nihilism in four escalating stages: liberalism, where truth and values are relativized; positivism, where science becomes the sole belief system; vitalism, where life itself is worshipped as the only reality; and finally, nihilism of destruction, where the destruction of all beliefs becomes the ultimate goal, leading to self-destruction.
- 尼采认为虚无主义意味着最高价值的自我贬斥
- 海德格尔认为虚无主义是一个过程，而非结果
- 现代社会缺乏普遍认同的最高价值，导致虚无主义盛行
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