50. Metaphysics without Truth: On the Importance of Consistency within Nietzsche’s Philosophy, by Stefan Lorenz Sorgner. ISBN 978-0-87462-673-5. ©2007. 173 pages. Paperbound. Bibliography. Index. $20
Is there any good reason to believe in Nietzsche’s metaphysics even though he himself claims that it is not “the truth” in correspondence with the world? According to Danto, Nietzsche’s metaphysics is only valid for Nietzsche himself. However, this answer does not take into consideration Nietzsche’s claim for the general superiority of his philosophy. Nietzsche’s view seems inconsistent: on the one hand, he claimed all perspectives are equally false in respect to “the truth,” but on the other, he regarded his views as superior. This book explains in which respect Nietzsche justifies his claims, that Nietzsche’s position is not inconsistent, and why consistency is important for him.
“Sorgner’s erudite but refreshing book is a launching pad for ongoing Nietzsche studies.”~H. James Birx (Canisius College & State University of New York, Geneseo) in Philosophy Now
“In clear and robust prose, Stefan Sorgner has written a bold and ambitious book on Nietzsche’s metaphysics and philosophy of truth. It offers a genuinely original attempt to resolve the apparent contradiction between Nietzsche’s advocacy of a particular metaphysical doctrine, that of ‘will to power’, and his ‘perspectivalist’ account of truth. Sorgner’s contentious but well-argued interpretation deserves to stimulate considerable critical discussion among students of Nietzsche.” ~ David E. Cooper, University of Durham/UK
“The central thesis of this extremely well-argued book … is that Nietzsche developed in his unpublished writings … a concept of the will to power that constitutes a metaphysical ‘system’ … Sorgner … brilliantly attempts to resolve the old dilemma of philosophers, why they should take Nietzsche’s aphorisms seriously, if he disavows their claim to truth.” ~ Anette Horn, University of the Witwatersrand/Africa in Acta Germanica
“An innovative and scholarly exploration of nihilism and the spirit (of our time) in Nietzsche.” ~ Chris Long, University of Durham/UK. “The author’s exposition of Nietzsche’s metaphysics is incisive, original and thought-provoking. ... fresh and sharply focused.”~Paul MacDonald, Murdoch University/Australia “This work provides an original response to the classic question concerning the authority that Nietzsche can legitimately claim for his philosophical voice [...] Sorgner boldly attempts to show that Nietzsche is not caught in a paradox.” ~ David Owen, University of Southampton/UK
“Sorgner’s [book] is clearly written and contains several strong arguments.” ~ Hans Otto Seitschek, University of Munich/Germany in Philosophical Writings
Stefan Lorenz Sorgner teaches applied ethics and philosophy at the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena. He is the co-editor of the following collections: (Sorgner/Fürbeth) Musik in der deutschen Philosophie: Eine Einführung (Metzler, 2003); (Knoepffler/Schipanski/Sorgner) Humanbiotechnologie als gesellschaftliche Herausforderung (Alber, 2005); (Sorgner/ Birx/Knoepffler) Eugenik und die Zukunft (Alber, 2006); (Knoepffler/Schipanski/Sorgner) Human-Biotechnology as Social Challenge (Ashgate, forthcoming); (Sorgner/Fürbeth) Music in German Philosophy: An Introduction (University of Chicago Press, forthcoming).
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