Nietzsche’s Critique of Platonic Dualism
Relation to Other Philosophical Positions
Platonic Relationship
- Reality (Ontology)
Plato’s ontological dualism:
| Known By | Characterized By | Nature | State | Associated With | |
| Real World | Reason | Objective | Immutable | Eternity | The Good and the Soul |
| Apparent World | Senses | Subjective | Changing | Birth, Life, and Death | The Bad and the Body |
In contrast to Plato’s dualism, Nietzsche argues that the only reality is the present, the here and now. He believes Plato’s “real world” is an invention of reason, a result of human decadence.
- Knowledge (Epistemology)
Plato and Platonism advocate for two different types of knowledge: an epistemological dualism. The opposition between the senses and reason is present throughout the history of philosophy, often with reason considered superior to the senses.
- Parmenides described two modes of knowledge: the way of opinion (derived from the senses) and the way of truth (derived from reason).
- Descartes believed the senses are unreliable.
- Kant’s dualism is expressed by the separation of phenomenal and noumenal spheres.
Nietzsche’s position is that sensory knowledge is the only valid form of knowledge. It is multiple, changing, and subjective. He champions the use of metaphor and artistic expression over purely rational approaches.
Relevance of “Reason” in Philosophy
Atheism or Anti-theism
Our culture is characterized by a turning away from God and religion. Christianity, especially Catholicism, has lost its former influence. Belief in God is weaker. The crisis of vocations and the growing distance between Catholic doctrine and the Church hierarchy are evident.
Religion is becoming another item of consumption. This situation, prevalent in Western society, contributes to the “death of God” advocated by Nietzsche.
The Popularization of Vitalism
“Reason in Philosophy” critiques the negative valuation of life that has spread through Western thought. It promotes a faith in life and a morality centered around it. It encourages living in the moment. However, vulgarized consequences of this vitalism can lead to the identification of happiness with material things (money, sex, etc.).
The Value of Critical Education and Life
The commitment to critical education is supported in Nietzsche’s text. “Reason in Philosophy” proposes that we should not uncritically accept any truth. No issue, however important or transcendent, should escape the consideration of an intentionally unbiased reason.
Nietzsche’s slogan about the joy of living remains fully relevant. He proposes a reason that does not enslave the instincts, but seeks to satisfy them in the most intelligent and effective way possible. Carpe diem!
- Ethics: A vital morality against the unnatural.
Nietzsche delves into Plato’s moral philosophy, which adopted key elements of Socratic intellectualism, understanding the Good, Justice, Truth, and Happiness as interconnected. Only intellectual pleasures are considered proper to the wise.
Nietzsche ranks these three ways of understanding morality as pathologies, particularly the negative assessment of the body, the senses, and instinctual/sexual drives. He sees this as contrary to the human development of their capabilities. For Nietzsche, the values of life become moral values.