Nishitani Keiji, The Self-Overcoming Of Nihilism - Nihilism And Philosophy Of History
Jun 24, 2024
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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.
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.
The Impact of Perceived Unreliability
As the once solid ground supporting historical life is perceived as unreliable, nihilism begins to erode the meaning of existence itself. This perception leads to an immense void, significantly impacting the self and the historical context, resulting in profound anxiety that questions previously established values. The greater the perceived stability and integration of a value system, the deeper the void when that ground is lost. Consequently, existence is transformed into a series of questions about meaning and connection, adversely affecting both individuals and society as a whole.
Reimagining the Philosophy of History
The philosophy of history must evolve beyond traditional viewpoints, as previous frameworks have often simplified the complex interplay between individual experience and historical phenomenon. Nishitani argues for an inquiry that is not merely observational but is intrinsically tied to the passionate and existential aspects of the inquirer. This new approach involves recognizing that history is not just a linear narrative but a site of existential engagement where philosophical questions about nihilism can be confronted meaningfully. By understanding individuals as active participants in history, the philosophy of history can become a space of genuine encounter with deeper existential issues.
This lecture discusses key ideas from the 20th century philosopher and head of the Japanese Kyoto school, Nishitani Keiji's book, The Self-Overcoming Of Nihilism
Specifically it examines his discussion in chapter 1 "Nihilism As Existence", focused on how human beings are situated in history, and how nihilism arises not just as a trans-historical possibility, but within a particular historical context, that of modern Europe. This requires that not only does nihilism need to be understood from within a philosophy of history, but that it must also enter into and inform that philosophy of history itself, transforming it in the process.
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