چكيده لاتين
This research examines Nietzscheʹs critique of moral nihilism and its impact on the meaning of life. Nihilism, a fundamental concept in Nietzscheʹs philosophy, is introduced as the negation of metaphysical and moral values, leading to a crisis of meaning in modern human life.
Critiquing various human thoughts and evaluating their positive and negative aspects are crucial tasks that must be addressed. Nietzscheʹs perspective on the meaning of life and his particular attention to morality make research into his philosophy essential. Therefore, the aim of this study is to critique Nietzscheʹs moral nihilism and its influence on the meaning of life.
According to Nietzsche, Christian ecclesiastical beliefs, along with morality and philosophy, are directly responsible for the emergence of the crisis known as nihilism. He believed that inherent in the teachings of all three, there are clear elements antagonistic to life, each of which, by creating an afterlife and elevating it as the pinnacle of human aspirations, has devalued and rendered worthless this worldly human existence. Morality, by producing and nurturing specific forces and values, has paved the way for the spread of nihilism. In other words, morality in Nietzscheʹs philosophy functions as a mechanism for value creation, offering products that inherently possess a nihilistic nature, thus promoting and advancing nihilism.
This moral nihilism significantly impacted the meaning of life, as such individuals could no longer derive meaning from Platonic ideals or the ethical aspirations of Christianity. This meaninglessness of life becomes more apparent in Nietzscheʹs critique of metaphysics, religion, and Christian ethics. According to Nietzsche, what is referred to as morality itself leads to nihilism because, while he relies on essential elements for human life, he overlooks other realities, which are the moral realities. In this view, Nietzsche sees the way out of nihilism in the creation of new values and the acceptance of concepts such as the "Übermensch" and "Will to Power." He introduces noble and noble-bred humans, who are referred to as the Overman through Zarathustraʹs language. Those who, with their genius and artistic creativity, create anew. In his view, the Overman puts an end to all forms of meaninglessness and nihilism. He embodies the complete Will to Power and thus gains the ability to overcome nihilism and liberate humanity from its bondage.
With this perspective, morality also undergoes transformation, and what remains is individualism and human perception of existence and life. Therefore, the only meaning of life is summarized in transformation and becoming. However, upon further examination and critique of Nietzscheʹs viewpoint, it becomes clear that his proposal cannot provide a way out of nihilism. The results of this research show that while Nietzscheʹs moral nihilism faces serious philosophical and moral critiques, this viewpoint has undeniably influenced modern philosophy and human understanding of the meaning of life.
