Nietzsche’s Critique of Western Philosophy: From Socrates to Plato
Nietzsche’s Critique of Western Philosophy
Friedrich Nietzsche, a major figure in the history of thought, influenced many later philosophers and was a forerunner of the hermeneutical method (Heidegger, and Ricoeur). His work addresses influences such as Heidegger’s concept of nihilism. This analysis explains Nietzsche’s critique of Western philosophy, establishing comparisons between authors, beginning with Socrates and Plato, and those responsible for corrupting Western philosophy. They are accused of denying life and creating an Apollonian world that replaced the tragic illusion of reality. We will gradually build relationships with other philosophers.
Socrates’ Pursuit of Truth
Socrates was convinced that in his city and time, there was a single truth. He devoted himself to seeking truth and justice, eternal and universal principles. Socrates’ dialectical method to define terms universally led Plato to convert Socrates’ concepts into pure reality. He separated it, freeing man. Socrates did not do this because the concept would have depended on men. He wanted definitions that served all men, removing all subjectivity. His motto was: Know yourself. Unless you look inside, you cannot find this truth.
Plato’s World of Ideas
Plato also believed that knowledge exists within the soul, but its place is in the intelligible world. He believed that the soul helps us remember. There is a method and process of education to separate and abstract the necessary and universal from all material in the world of appearances, like the allegory of the cave. Nietzsche does not believe in abstract and universal concepts.
Nietzsche’s Critique of Socrates and Plato
Socrates was convinced that the definition and understanding of moral concepts by man would bear fruit. He believed that all works should meet them, and ultimately, one cannot work against these known principles and values. Plato insisted on this idea, emphasizing that citizens, even when directed to contemplation, are necessarily good. Nietzsche is against subjection to reason because it steals the life-world. For him, the authentic is not an abstract idea of good, as Socrates and Plato thought. These approaches devalue life. Nietzsche is critical of Socrates’ moral intellectualism, which is based on rationality and contempt for the senses.
Pre-Socratic Influences on Plato
Plato was influenced by the pre-Socratics, which Nietzsche also criticizes. Heraclitus’s ideas were transmitted through Plato to posterity. These influences include:
Pythagorean Influence
The Pythagoreans influenced Plato’s concept of transcendence. They believed we are not just a material body but holders of an immortal and divine soul, like the gods. Those who know the truth must remain forever in this world of pure souls. For Plato, the true reality was not material.
Heraclitus’ Influence
Plato took from Heraclitus the idea that everything flows and changes constantly, following a natural law. From the struggle of opposites is born the harmony we see in the cosmos, which produces justice in these laws of nature. Heraclitus called this logos. Logos is why the universe is necessary and universal. Men also participate because logos is impregnated in them.
Nietzsche’s Rejection of Platonic Idealism
Nietzsche criticized Plato’s world of ideas because it supersedes and negates the true values of the vital world. He proposes an inversion of Platonism, claiming a world and life against the ideal world. He believes that the real world of Plato, and all that philosophers and Christianity helped create, is a moral-optical illusion.
Parmenides’ Influence
Parmenides also influenced Plato’s ontology, which Nietzsche also opposes. Parmenides’ theory of being and non-being defended an eternal and immutable principle. He was the first to recognize that man can gain two kinds of knowledge. One shows permanence and unity. Nietzsche turns around the ideas of Plato, Heraclitus, and Parmenides to resume his proposal of change and becoming. The real world of Parmenides and Plato is, for Nietzsche, an optical illusion. He claims that we must remain faithful to the earth.