Nietzsche's

امامی, MUHAMMADHOSSEIN; Fazeli, Ahmad; Mesbahian, Hossein

doi:10.22059/jop.2024.365019.1006798

Document Type : Scientific-research

Authors

¹ خ دماوند- میدان امامت- خ جدیدی- ک شبان- بن بست منصوری- پ 4- ط 3

² Associate Professor and member of the Faculty of Ethics, Qom University

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, University of Tehran

10.22059/jop.2024.365019.1006798

Abstract

Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of "will to power" stands as a cornerstone of his philosophy, yet its interpretation remains a contentious issue. Among the various proposed interpretations, the ontological, metaphorical, and psychological perspectives each offer distinct understandings of this complex concept. While definitively establishing the "correct" interpretation is challenging due to the complexities of Nietzsche's writing and expression, this essay argues that the psychological interpretation aligns more effectively with the core tenets of his thought. The essay begins by providing a concise overview of the metaphysical, metaphorical, and psychological interpretations of "will to power." Acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in interpreting Nietzsche's ideas, it argues that the psychological interpretation, emphasizing the "will to power" as an intrinsic human drive for self-overcoming and growth, resonates more strongly with the broader themes of Nietzsche's philosophy, particularly perspectivism. Furthermore, the essay delves into the ethical implications of the psychological interpretation. It addresses concerns that this interpretation might endorse oppression and autocracy as necessary outcomes of the "will to power." Through careful analysis, the essay demonstrates how the psychological interpretation, when understood accurately, does not inherently support such harmful practices. In contrast, it highlights how this interpretation, emphasizing self-mastery and individual responsibility, can potentially contribute to moral development and a pursuit of excellence. Finally, the essay emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundational concepts of his philosophy, such as perspectivism, for accurately interpreting his ideas. By prioritizing evidence-based analysis and nuanced understanding, we can navigate the complexities of Nietzsche's thought and appreciate its enduring relevance in contemporary discussions about ethics, individual responsibility, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Keywords

Main Subjects

philosophy

References

Clark, M. (1990). Nietzsche on Truth and Philosophy. New York: Cambridge.

Danto, A. C. (2005). Nietzsche as Philosopher. New York: Cambridge UP.

Kaufmann, W. (1974). Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist (4th ed.). Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton UP.

Klein, W. (1997). Nietzsche and the Promise of Philosophy. Albany, New York: State University of New York Press.

Lampert, L. (1986). Nietzsche's Teaching: An Interpretation of Thus Spoke Zarathustra.

Leiter, B. (2002). Nietzsche on Morality. Routledge, University of Chicago.

Nehamas, A. (1987). Nietzsche: Life as Literature. Harvard University Press.

Nietzsche, F. (2006). Genealogy of Morals. Translated into Persian by Dariush Ashoori in 1385. Tehran: Agah. (In Persian)

Nietzsche, F. (2008). Beyond Good and Evil (4th ed.). Translated into Persian by Dariush Ashoori in 1387. Tehran: Khwarazmi. (In Persian)

Nietzsche, F. (2013). The Will to Power (6th ed.). Translated into Persian by Majid Sharif in 1392. Tehran: Jami. (In Persian)

Nietzsche, F. (2015). Thus Spoke Zarathustra (36th ed.). Translated into Persian by Dariush Ashoori in 1394. Tehran: Agah. (In Persian)

Nietzsche, F. (2017). Twilight of the Idols (12th ed.). Translated into Persian by Dariush Ashoori in 1396, Tehran, Agah. (In Persian)

Nietzsche, F. (2020). Daybreak (5th ed.). Translated into Persian by Ali Abdollahi in 1399. Tehran: Jami. (In Persian)

Nietzsche, F. W. (1966). Beyond Good and Evil. Translated by Walter Kaufmann. Vintage Books.

Nietzsche, F. W. (1967). The Will to Power. Translated by R.J. Hollingdale and Walter Kaufmann. New York: Random House.

Nietzsche, F. W. (1968a). The Antichrist. Translated by R. J. Hollingdale. Penguin Classics.

Nietzsche, F. W. (1968b). Twilight of the Idols. Translated by R. J. Hollingdale. Penguin Classics.

Nietzsche, F. W. (1974). The Gay Science. Translated by Walter Kaufmann. New York: Vintage Books.

Nietzsche, F. W. (1989). On the Genealogy of Morals. Edited by Walter Kaufmann. Translated by Walter Kaufmann and R.J. Hollingdale. New York: Vintage Books.

Nietzsche, F. W. (2005a). The Anti-Christ, Ecce Homo, Twilight of the Idols and Other Writings. Translated by Judith Norman. Cambridge University Press.

Nietzsche, F. W. (2005b). Ecce Homo. Translated by R. J. Hollingdale. Penguin Classics.

Nietzsche, F. W. (2006). Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Translated by Walter Kaufmann. Penguin Classics.

Reginster, B. (2006). The Affirmation of Life: Nietzsche on Overcoming Nihilism. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.

Richardson, J. (1996). Nietzsche’s System. New York: Oxford UP.

Schacht, R., & Honderich, T. (1985). Nietzsche. Routledge pub.

Schulte, G. (2012). This is Nietzsche (2nd ed.). Translated into Persian by Saeed Firouzabadi in 1391. Tehran: Thalath.

Sembou, E. (2011). "Nietzsche's Critique of the Enlightenment". University of London between the 9th and 11th September 2011.

Spinks, L. (2009). Friedrich Nietzsche. Translated into Persian by Reza Valiyari in 1388. Tehran: Markaz.

Stern, T. (2022). Nietzsche on Ethics. Translated into Persian by Hamideh Ghamari in 1401. Tehran: Onsu.

Welshon, R. (2004). The Philosophy of Nietzsche. Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen’s UP.

Williams, L. L. (1996). Will to Power in Nietzsche’s Published Works and the Nachlass. Journal of the History of Ideas; Vol. 57. No: 3. University of Pennsylvania Press; 447-463.

Philosophy

Nietzsche's "Will to Power": A Psychological Interpretation and its Ethical Implications

References

References

Volume 22, Issue 1 - Serial Number 42
October 2024
Pages 127-161

Nietzsche's "Will to Power": A Psychological Interpretation and its Ethical Implications

References

References

Volume 22, Issue 1 - Serial Number 42October 2024Pages 127-161

Volume 22, Issue 1 - Serial Number 42
October 2024
Pages 127-161