Overview
Presents a detailed analysis of Nietzsche’s idea of eternal recurrence
Explores the significance of Nietzsche’s idea of eternal recurrence in his overarching philosophy
Investigates whether the idea of eternal recurrence is successful in overcoming what Nietzsche identifies as ‘passive nihilism'
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Table of contents (4 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Back Matter
Keywords
About this book
This book examines the cogency and value of Nietzsche’s idea of eternal recurrence, as an antidote to the nihilism resulting from the catastrophic event of ‘the death of God’. Its significance to Nietzsche’s philosophy as a whole (when presented either as an imaginative thought experiment, a cosmological hypothesis, or a poetic metaphor) is analysed, alongside the manifold criticisms the idea has attracted.
In this original reading of eternal recurrence, McNeil explores the strength of metaphorical meaning contained within Heraclitean and Stoic cosmologies, revealing their influence on Nietzsche’s own cosmology, along with their holistic approach to life which Nietzsche endorsed. Furthermore, an extensive critique of Heidegger’s interpretation of eternal recurrence is given. McNeil argues that Heidegger ignores not only the life-affirming Dionysian aspects of the concept, but also the Heraclitean sense of play evident in the cosmology, and the importance of this for developing a positive, celebratory attitude towards our lives and creative projects.
Reviews
“Bevis McNeil succeeds in giving to eternal recurrence the pivotal place in Nietzsche’s philosophy that it had for Nietzsche himself. Through critical examinations of Greek cosmologies, Heidegger’s seminal interpretation, and recent controversies in Nietzsche scholarship, he develops a rich and original understanding of the idea. It is not just students of Nietzsche who will benefit from reflecting on the Dionysian senses of joy and play that, McNeil urges, are inspired by an embrace of this idea.”
David E. Cooper, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, Durham University, UK.
“Ludwig Klages wondered how, as a convinced Heraclitean, Nietzsche could have believed in eternal recurrence, while for C.G. Jung it was an idea invented by Nietzsche to compensate the onslaught of his unconscious. In this compelling new study, Bevis McNeil throws fresh light on what is arguably Nietzsche’s most controversial doctrine, using Heidegger’s interpretation as an investigative tool to bring exciting new insights to bear on our understanding of this doctrine — and its metaphysical implications.”
Paul Bishop, William Jacks Chair in Modern Languages and Professor of German, University of Glasgow, UK.
“In Nietzsche and Eternal Recurrence, Bevis McNeil provides a wide-ranging and well-informed guide to Nietzsche’s most challenging doctrine. Linking the theme with key ideas such as the death of God, he also highlights Nietzsche’s dialogue with ancient Stoic thought. Students of Nietzsche’s thought will welcome the book’s survey of recent debates over the concept of eternal recurrence, which includes a sharp but balanced assessment of the influential contribution of Martin Heidegger.”
Robin Small, Professor of Philosophy of Education Emeritus, University of Auckland, New Zealand and Honorary Professorial Fellow, University of Melbourne, Australia.
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Bevis E. McNeil is Senior Lecturer in Criminological and Forensic Psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and was formerly Tutor and Lecturer in Philosophy at Durham University, UK. He has taught extensively on Nietzsche, the idea of eternal recurrence, and Stoic philosophy and cosmology.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Nietzsche and Eternal Recurrence
Authors: Bevis E. McNeil
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55296-1
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham
eBook Packages: Religion and Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion (R0)
Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-55295-4Published: 28 October 2020
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-55298-5Published: 28 October 2021
eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-55296-1Published: 27 October 2020
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XVI, 226