Bertrand Russell is scheduled to make an appearance today...
We met Karl Marx last week. You have all studied the ideas of socialism and Marxism to some degree in several classes. Here, we'll give you a chance to share what you think.
Some of you may want to visit the Marxists Internet Archive. If it was written by a Marxist, you can probably find it here...
Questions for discussion:
- In an "ideal" world, what would be the strengths and weaknesses of a socialist society?
- In our world, what are the strengths and weaknesses of socialism?
- Should Marx' ideas be relegated to the "dustbin" (or "ash-heap") of history? Why or why not?
- Are there ideas of Marx which should be more a part of American society?
- What should be the goal of a state or society? How should it pursue "happiness"?
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Friedrich Nietzsche: We had the presentation last session as well. Let's take a look at some of the Writings and Quotations by Nietzsche. I'm thinking some dramatic readings and spirited discussions are in store...
Nihilism: Here are a couple of "definitions" of the concept. Notice that both make value judgments on the term.
"A common unofficial description of nihilism is the 'belief in nothing'. But a far more useful one would substitute 'faith' for 'belief' where faith is defined as the "firm belief in something for which there is no proof." A universal definition of nihilism could then well be the rejection of that which requires faith for salvation or actualization and would span to include anything from theology to secular ideology. Within nihilism, faith and similar values are discarded because they've no absolute, objective substance. They are invalid, serving only as yet another exploitable lie never producing any strategically beneficial outcome."
"Nihilism is the characteristic value-disease of our times. The word comes from the Latin root for "nothing", with more ancient connexions with the word for "trifle". Nihilism is the general phenomenon of human values having no evocatory power, in that questions about meaning fail to yield answers that are trustworthy or in the truth, but rather a void of senseless silence."
Excerpt from Looking at Philosophy by Donald Palmer: I warn you, this is tough. I'd like you to spend maybe 15 minutes on this secondary source. Work with someone if you prefer. Try to understand what Nietzsche is saying on several of these topics for when the group comes back together...
- What does he mean by "perspectivism"?
- What did Nietzsche mean by the "will to power"?
- What role does "lying" play in the philosophy of Nietzsche?
- Do you agree with his view of "der Ubermensch," the "overman" (or Superman)?
- What does he mean by "the death of God"?
- Was Nietzsche a nihilist?
Want to join the Friedrich Nietzsche Society? Here it is.
