PH924-30 Nietzsche
Introductory description
This module provides an advanced introduction to Nietzsche, one of the most seminal thinkers in the tradition of continental philosophy.
Module aims
The principal aim of this module is to provide an advanced introduction to Nietzsche and a rich appreciation of aspects of his intellectual development and philosophical character. To aid the inquiry the module draws upon the best recent and current Anglo-American research on Nietzsche, as well as making use where relevant of seminal texts from within the history of Nietzsche-reception. The focus is on the texts of Nietzsche’s fertile but often neglected middle period. Whilst early commentators such as Havelock Ellis considered these writings to be the pinnacle of Nietzsche’s intellectual maturity, core aspects of them remain under-studied to this day and they have played little role in the ‘continental’ reception of Nietzsche. The module aims to show that these writings are of crucial importance to any genuine appreciation of Nietzsche’s philosophical practice. Texts to be studied include the volumes of Human, all too Human, Dawn, and The Gay Science.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Week 1: Introduction to Nietzsche's intellectual Development, the Middle Writings, and the Art of the Aphorism
Reading:
HAH 35-38
On Readers and Writers: MOM 129, 142, 153, 156, 165, 168, 396; WS 87, 88, 92, 109, 110, 125, 128, 214.
Week 2: On Philosophy and the Philosopher
On the 'closest things': WS 5-6, 7, 16, 310.
MOM 5, 27, 28, 31, 182, 184, 201, 211, 223, 271, 326, 332, 337, 356, 380, 386, 401, 408.
WS: 1-4, 8, 18-19, 72, 86, 171, 213, 227 (see also 192), 267, 269, 295, 308, 329.
See also: D 440, 530, & 547; GS 99.
Week 3: On Morality, Freedom of the Will, and Punishment
MOM 33, 71, 88, 90, 236.
WS 21-22, 40-41, 44, 45, 70, 216
On 'freedom of the will' see: WS 9-12, 23-24, 28, 318.
See also: HAH 39, 42, 43, 45, 57, 68, 92, 95, 97, 99, 102, 105, 107; and D 9, 16, 18, 19; D 202.
Week 4: On Vanity & the Passions
Vanity: MOM 46; WS 31, 60, 181, 304
See also: HAH 43, 79, 82, 89; and D 105, 365, 385, 521, 552; and GS 21: GS 87, 162.
The passions: HAH 60, 62, 103; MOM 148, 220; WS 33, 37, 53, 222; see also: WS 29-30, 33-34, 69, 237, 259; see also: GS 290, 359: GS 302-303.
On joy see: MOM 62, 187; WS 183, 332, 350; see also D 422; GS 239, 338.
Week 5: On Compassion/Pity & the Sympathetic Affects
HAH: 45-46, 49, 50, 72, 103, 104; MOM 68; WS 45, 50; D 18, 30,
D 142, D 174; TSZ: 'Of the Compassionate'.
D 132-148; D 383
GS 13, 118, 119, 338.
READING WEEK
Week 7: On Love and Friendship
Love: HAH 69, MOM 37, 75, 95, 287; WS 301; D 150, 151, 309, 479, 488, 532; GS 14, 263 & GS 363.
Friendship: HAH chapters, 6, 7, and 9, e.g. 305, 354, 376, 378, 491, 499; D 287, 503, 532; GS 14, 61, 279.
Week 8: On Poets, Literature, and Art
MOM 31, 99, 111, 113, 162, 169, 170-172, 174-178, 227; WS 140; see also D 551; GS 84.
Week 9: On Nature & On Music
For nature see: MOM 49; WS 195, 200, 201, 205, 338; see also D 423 (& 483), 427.
For music see: MOM 134, 159; WS 154, 166-168; see also: D 114, 142, 172, 216, 255; GS 103, 183, 317, 368.
Week 10: On Christianity and On Politics
On Xitianity: MOM 96-98, 224-225; WS 57, 81, 83-85; see also D 39, 58, 60, 61, 62, 64, 68, 73, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 87, 92, 96 plus 321; GS 135, 138, 139.
On Politics: MOM 179, 304, 310, 323; WS 187-189, 218, 220-221, 275-276, 279, 281, 284, 286, 288, 292-293; see also HAH Chapter eight 'A Glance at the State'.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- By the end of the module students should have a sound and scholarly understanding of Nietzsche’s middle writings, including an appreciation of its importance in his intellectual development and for his campaign against morality; they should also be able to discuss incisively and critically his key concepts and ideas both in seminar discussions and written work.
Indicative reading list
Nietzsche, Human, all too Human in two volumes (Stanford UP) Nietzsche, Dawn (Stanford UP) Nietzsche, The Gay Science (Random House)
Subject specific skills
Close textual reading skills. Hermeneutic skills. Advanced reasoning skills. Fluency in essay writing.
Transferable skills
Strong presentation skills, verbally and in writing. Skills in logical and analytical reasoning. Skills in creative thinking.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 2 hours (6%) |
| Private study | 282 hours (94%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
Private study and essay preparation
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7500 word essay | 100% | Yes (extension) |
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on essays will be provided on the coversheet for the essay, addressing standard areas
of evaluation and individual content.
Courses
This module is Option list A for:
-
TPHA-V7PN Postgraduate Taught Philosophy and the Arts
- Year 1 of V7PN Philosophy and the Arts
- Year 2 of V7PN Philosophy and the Arts