From this pessimistic beginning, Christopher Hamilton takes a critical look at Christianity and Nietzsche alike to look at why we find ourselves in this predicament, returning to the ancient question of what gives us meaning, and ultimately arriving at a reading of Nietzsche’s philosophy that aims to affirm a godless life.
In this course, you will learn:
- Why Nietzsche believed all philosophy had previously been misguided.
- How Nietzsche was influenced by Wagner and Schopenhaeur.
- Why Nietzsche recognised suffering as the fundamental truth of existence.
- The story and meaning of the ‘slave revolt’ in morality’.
- Whether Christian doctrine truly aspires to the ‘Christ-like life’.
- How Christianity aims to provide a moral explanation for our lives.
- Why Nietzsche rejects this explanation for an aestheric one.
- Why man is an ‘ontological misfit’
- How you can affirm your existence.
Course Syllabus
- Part One: Recovering Wonder
Why did Nietzche announce the death of God? Hamilton reclaims meaning and purpose.
- Part Two: Virtues, Happiness and Morality
Is the world fundamentally indifferent? How can we make sense of morality and lead better lives?