| Description |
Nietzsche argues that the basis of western philosophy can be found in the initial creation of a "true world" existing beyond and distinct from the world of appearances. In Twilight of the Idols, he shows how this idea was first originated, and how it progressed through different manifestations until finally falling prey to its own need for truth, coherence and intelligibility, ideals that it can never fully attain. Following the destruction of this belief in the true world, Nietzsche offers the means by which a new, "nonmetaphysical" understanding of reality can take place. Nietzsche's view, in direct contrast to traditional metaphysical systems, argues that the form, essence, or identity posited as being at the base of reality is a construction of the need for a "true world" beyond the chaotic, indeterminate world with which we are confronted. Instead, he states that it is difference that is the basic feature of reality. This view, however, is problematic in that it argues for the differences between non-existent entities, and in; doing so, claims the incomprehensible as being at the base; of reality. Schacht and Haar provide potential methods of dealing with this problem, but it is Nehamas who fleshes-out the underlying fact that we must "lose faith" in the traditional methods of understanding reality (language, logic, mathematics, etc.). Such methods, and specifically language, can make no ontological claims by themselves. It is only through the continued act of artistic creation, which was the same act that created the true world and the traditional linguistic, logical systems, that reality can be given an meaning and existence that is alive, as opposed to the dead meaning passed-down through the centuries. Such "objective" or ontological claims as to the nature of reality are bound to fail because they put an end to this essential, and individual, creative process that is necessary for existence. Thus, through art, life is affirmed. |
