Nietzsche's Political Skepticism

Author/creator Shaw, Tamsin Author
Format Electronic
Publication InfoPrinceton : Princeton University Press Ewing : California Princeton Fulfillment Services [Distributor]
Description192 p. 09.000 x 06.000 in.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subjects

Summary Annotation <p>Political theorists have long been frustrated by Nietzsche's work. Although he develops profound critiques of morality, culture, and religion, it is very difficult to spell out the precise political implications of his insights. He himself never did so in any systematic way. In this book, Tamsin Shaw claims that there is a reason for this: Nietzsche's insights entail a distinctive form of political skepticism.</p><p>Shaw argues that the modern political predicament, for Nietzsche, is shaped by two important historical phenomena. The first is secularization, or the erosion of religious belief, and the fragmentation of moral life that it entails. The second is the unparalleled ideological power of the modern state. The promotion of Nietzsche's own values, Shaw insists, requires resistance to state ideology. But Nietzsche cannot envisage how these values might themselves provide a stable basis for political authority; this is because secular societies, lacking recognized normative expertise, also lack a reliable mechanism for making moral insight politically effective.</p><p>In grappling with this predicament, Shaw claims, Nietzsche raises profound questions about political legitimacy and political authority in the modern world.</p>
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
ISBN9780691146539
ISBN0691146535 (Trade Paper) Active Record
Standard identifier# 9780691146539
Stock number00021620