Nihilism Continental Philosophy Philosophy

Nihilism Continental Philosophy Philosophy

Nihilism

"Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence. A true nihilist would believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy. While few philosophers would claim to be nihilists, nihilism is most often associated with Friedrich Nietzsche who argued that its corrosive effects would eventually destroy all moral, religious, and metaphysical convictions and precipitate the greatest crisis in human history. In the 20th century, nihilistic themes--epistemological failure, value destruction, and cosmic purposelessness--have preoccupied artists, social critics, and philosophers. Mid-century, for example, the existentialists helped popularize tenets of nihilism in their attempts to blunt its destructive potential. By the end of the century, existential despair as a response to nihilism gave way to an attitude of indifference, often associated with antifoundationalism." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Top: Society: Philosophy: Continental Philosophy: Nihilism:

See Also:

- Something About Nothing - What Nihilism, Rationalism, Humanism, Agnosticism, Existentialism, etc., Really Say About Your Future
- Definition, origins, and history in relation to Friedrich Nietzsche.
- Poking fun at just about everything, this site showcases some unusual media work, and offers a sardonic world view.
- Nihilism described, explained and conveniently shrink-wrapped for public distribution.
- An article by Timothy Balash.
- History, news, people, and links.
- Article by Phillip E Johnson, Professor of Law at UC-Berkeley.
- A letter from the president. Includes contact information.

MySQL - 0 sec.