Nietzsche module (PI41027)

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) is one of the most important and influential philosophers in history. He radically questioned many of the presuppositions of philosophy and Western culture, including the nature of religion, morality, and all the 'highest values' that have generally been aspired to.

Nietzsche diagnosed a pervasive nihilism in culture, and called for a 'revaluation of values' which has profoundly overturned the way humans think and live. His work has been widely, and controversially, influential in diverse fields, from co-optation by Nazi ideologues to inspiration for feminist philosophers.

This module will provide an opportunity to investigate in depth the thought and writings of Nietzsche.

What you will learn

In this module you will:

• study in depth a key thinker in the history of philosophy
• gain an understanding of key concepts which are central to Nietzsche’s philosophy as well as much of the later philosophical tradition that he has influenced
• grapple with Nietzsche's controversial ideas and critically assess them on your own terms
• compare and contrast competing interpretations of Nietzsche's philosophy

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• have an appreciation of Nietzsche's important place in the history of thought
• have a deeper understanding of what Nietzsche said and thought
• have familiarity with some of the central theories and arguments around the interpretation of Nietzsche’s works
• obtain skills in interpreting and assessing a challenging philosopher's work

Assignments / assessment

• textual commentary 1,500 words (40%)
• essay 3,000 words (60%)

This module does not have a final examination.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• seminars
• independent study

You will be required to follow a schedule of set readings which will follow the lectures and form the basis for seminar discussions.