Nietzsche in Liberal Democracy Pubblico
Staffetti, Francesca (2015)
Abstract
Friedrich Nietzsche's primary project is the development of the Superman, for the Superman presents the only hope of salvation from Nietzsche's worst fear, the herd animal referred to as the "last man." The "last man" is Man's evolutionary end point and state of permanent degradation; once the "last man" is realized there can be no hope of further progress or the Superman. The Superman comes to power by way of Max Weber's concept of charismatic authority, and is made necessary by the death of God. The death of God renders Man morally aimless and causes him to create meaning, which results in the artificial construct of morality and the notions of both good and evil. The Superman overcomes morality by exercising the Will to Power, the fundamental driving force of all living beings, which manifests itself variably in each individual. While Nietzsche is popularly considered a firm critic of democracy, both he and Alexis de Tocqueville recognize the inevitability of the egalitarian revolution. If Nietzsche's primary project can be accomplished, it must do so within liberal democracy. Paradoxically, the rise of an inherently undemocratic person, the Superman, within liberal democracy seems counterintuitive. Nevertheless, the Superman will use both the benefits and shortcomings of liberal democracy to his advantage. During the Superman's development, liberal democracy does not hinder his individualism. However, once the Superman constructs a horizon for the masses, liberal democracy is rendered a wholly inadequate regime. Under the Superman's command, an order of rank must be implemented in society. This thesis argues that liberal democracy provides adequate conditions for the development of Nietzsche's Superman, but inadequate conditions for his rule.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
CHAPTER 1: LIBERAL DEMOCRACY 23
1.1 DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA 23
1.2 THE REPUBLIC OF PLATO 35
CHAPTER 2: FREEDOM 39
2.1 POLITICS AS A VOCATION 42
2.2 DEATH OF GOD 47
CHAPTER 3: LAST MAN AND SUPERMAN 51
CONCLUSION 70
BIBLIOGRAPHY 73
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