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Sadler's Lectures

Nishitani Keiji, The Self-Overcoming Of Nihilism - Nihilism And Philosophy Of History

Jun 24, 2024
Dive into the intriguing relationship between nihilism and history as explored by philosopher Nishitani Keiji. Discover how nihilism isn't just a timeless concept, but deeply rooted in specific historical contexts, notably modern Europe. The discussion encourages a fresh reassessment of the philosophy of history, emphasizing the necessity of confronting our existential dilemmas. By bridging Eastern and Western traditions, the conversation redefines historical inquiry, making the quest for understanding both philosophical and personal.
13:31

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Nihilism is both an existential crisis arising within individuals and a historical phenomenon that reflects the decline of objective values in society.
  • Nishitani advocates for a revised philosophy of history that acknowledges individual engagement and the interplay of existential questions with historical contexts.

Deep dives

The Dual Nature of Nihilism

Nihilism is presented as a dual phenomenon, encompassing both existential and historical dimensions. On one hand, it arises as a foundational existential problem intrinsic to human beings, revealing the self as inherently groundless. This aspect indicates that nihilism can emerge at any moment, regardless of historical context, yet certain historical instances exemplify its onset, such as the post-war atmosphere in Japan. On the other hand, nihilism is also recognized as a historical and social phenomenon, where the decline of objective spirit signifies a loss of foundational value systems in historical life.

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