Nietzsche’s Philosophy: A Critical Response to 19th Century Transformation
The 19th Century: A Transformative Era
The 19th century was a period of profound change, encompassing political, ideological, social, religious, industrial, technical, and scientific developments, alongside significant advancements in the arts. Ideologically, Europe experienced a revolutionary period that struggled to assimilate new values such as liberalism, socialism, and nationalism.
Ideological and Political Shifts
Politically, the model of alliances between European countries shifted dramatically. With German unification, Prussia became the focal point of European politics. Following the failure of the 1848 revolutions, the “reaction” intensified, leading to a return to autocratic regimes that sought to suppress liberalism.
Social and Religious Dynamics
Socially, labor movements emerged, notably after the 1848 revolutions. Citizens demanded social rights and a freer society, fostering the development of socialism. In religion, Pope Pius IX initially supported liberal reforms, but with the outbreak of revolution, he changed his stance, moving to condemn all modern ideas: freedom of religion and conscience, philosophical and scientific freedoms, separation of church and state, liberalism, and secular morality. This era saw a growing secularization of society and a critique of traditional religion.
Industrial and Artistic Flourishing
Regarding industrial and technological development, the century witnessed a significant takeoff. The Industrial Revolution brought with it a great economic boom. Throughout the 19th century, the arts and historical thought were deeply influenced by Romanticism, characterized by an interest in the ancient and classical world, a love of nature, and an analysis of the inner life of man.
Nietzsche’s Philosophical Response
Given this multifaceted context, Friedrich Nietzsche formulated his philosophical response. He stood against:
- The rationalism and idealism of Hegel.
- The absolutism of science, which, through biological and sociological positivism, claimed to be the sole way to understand the world.
- The conventions of traditional morality that suppressed man’s true being and oppressed him.
Hence, Nietzsche emphasized the excitement of life as a way of understanding humanity, advocating for a criticism of established culture that stifled man’s true being, and a search for new values for life.
Assessing Nietzsche’s Enduring Legacy
Nietzsche’s philosophy represents a major critique of Western thought. The practice of criticism itself is one of his great contributions to the very culture he questioned. This critical approach remains vital in our society today, posing both a challenge and an obligation for contemporary thought.
Critique of Western Thought
Nietzsche was not the only critic of Western culture; almost simultaneously, his efforts were joined by two other influential thinkers: Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud. These three have collectively been called the “masters of suspicion.”
Misinterpretations and Influence
Nietzsche’s work can be interpreted in several ways, leading to a series of misunderstandings and distorting appropriations. For example, some have presented his doctrine of the Übermensch (Superman) as a philosophical precedent for Nazism, ignoring that Nietzsche developed this concept while in Italy, seemingly fleeing everything German. Nietzsche’s death coincided with the beginning of his spectacular echo, and his ideas gained immense importance throughout the 20th century, not only in philosophy but also in literature and art in general. Authors like Albert Sastre and those of the Generation of ’98 were significantly influenced by this German philosopher.
Diverse Criticisms of Nietzsche
Nietzsche’s philosophy has also received significant negative assessments:
- Marxist critiques argue that Nietzschean moral values lead to the social and political dominance of the most powerful, resulting in an unjust and unequal society.
- Christian perspectives have launched many attacks, particularly warning against Nietzsche’s concept of the “death of God.”
- Kantian perspectives acknowledge Nietzsche’s exaltation of freedom and the capacity to create new values, but criticize his renunciation of reason as a guide, viewing his philosophy as an abandonment to primitive instincts that still inhabit the human spirit.