nietzsche

726 Words2 Pages

For many centuries religion seemed to be the most accurate source of truth and value to life. As humanity started to question the foundation religion had established, science began to unfold its own perspective of life. From then on humanity juggled ideas of conscience, morality, and the true meaning of life. On one hand science began to explain the world around us in a more empirical and understanding perception to humanity; with the use of emerging technologies and theories. On the other hand religion outlined a way of life and possibly another approach to the understanding of our existence. The question lay in the hands of the individual, do we allow science and/or religion to give us a value to our life or do we need to look further from the perspective of the masses. In “The Gay Science.” Friedrich Nietzsche outlines the evolution of mankind from religion to science and finally his ideal value of life. Nietzsche believes that neither science nor religion are adequate enough to live by. Nietzsches argument holds some consistent ground against science but does not fully refute it. Science holds the key in holding a balance between the unexplainable and quantifiable to put balance and meaning in someones life. Nietzsche starts by laying out the famous example of the madman screaming, “God is dead.” The madman exclaims that humanity doesn’t understand what it has done. They have killed god and they don’t seem to mind, they can’t see the consequences yet. He states that he thinks he has come too early and that this is just the beginning of the problem. This passage introduces the idea of a loss of religious fate in humanity. The madman has a negative outlook on this event, questioning what is next to come. Historically religion se... ... middle of paper ... ...an build from, convictions that may be theoretical but are regarded to unconditionally almost as a faith. Nietzsche says science believes that “’Nothing is needed more than truth, and in relation to it everything else has only second rate value’(pg281).” He then questions how we even know that the scientific perspective is the correct one. Science condemned religion for lack of truth but what gives validity to science if the scope is only through one perspective. Nietzsche states “We cannot look around our own corner…(pg336).” The possibility that there are an infinite amount of interpretations that could be correct cannot be disregarded. This puts pressure on the scientific perspective, why should it be regarded to as the highest form of truth. He even goes on to say that its naïve to say your morality or idea on life is better or more correct than someone elses.

More about nietzsche

Open Document