THE Nihilism is a philosophical movement that believes in the void.
The concept is based on the subjectivity of being, where there is no metaphysical foundation for human existence.
In other words, there are no “absolute truths” that underpin traditions.
From the Latin, the term “ nihil ” means “nothing”. It is, therefore, a philosophy, which supported by skepticism, is devoid of norms going against the ideals of materialistic and positive schools.
Note that the term nihilism is used in different ways. For some scholars it is a negative, pessimistic term, associated with the destruction, anarchy and denial of all principles (social, political, religious).
For other philosophers, on the other hand, the essence of the concept, if observed in more detail, can lead to the liberation of the human being.
Nihilistic Philosophers
The main German philosophers who approached and deepened on the theme of nihilism were:
- Friedrich Schlegel (1772-1829)
- Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831)
- Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)
- Martin Heidegger (1889-1976)
- Ernst Jünger (1895-1998)
- Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)
- Jürgen Habermas (1929-)
Nietzsche’s Nihilism
Through the nihilistic current, the German philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, proposes the “meaninglessness” linked to the concept of “Superman”. They arise from the “Death of God”, that is, from the absence of any principle.
In this way, since men are devoid of norms, beliefs, dogmas, traditions, they will rule their lives (free will). This will result in the creation of “new men” through what he calls “the will to power”.
In such a way, the power and values resulting from the institutions (religious, social and political) become non-existent. Thus, a free man appears, uncorrupted by any type of belief, who makes his own choices.
When the “Superman” determined by Nietzsche acquires this power, all values will be transmuted.
Types of Nihilism
According to the philosopher, there are two types of Nihilism: passive nihilism and active nihilism .
In liabilities, human evolution occurs, however, there is no change in values.
In the active, human evolution happens in the same way, however, it is responsible for the transmutation of values, as well as the creation of new ones.