A Critique of Ricœur's Call for Faith from the Atheism of Nietzsche: God is still Dead

Authors

James K. Kijowski, Denison University

Abstract

Ricœur offers an interesting hermeneutical interpretation of Nietzsche’s “God is dead” concept, but this author believes Ricœur ultimately suggests the impossible. Following an interpretation of Nietzsche’s atheism, Ricœur’s hermeneutics of religion, atheism, and faith deem atheism a faith for a postreligious age. Using the Madman in The Gay Science and key ideas from the Genealogy, the author analyzes then critiques Ricœur’s belief that Nietzsche leaves room for non-ethical obedience via the phenomenon of la parole (word) that comes to us from the ultimate word of Being: God. The author, being more convinced by Kofman’s analysis of Nietzsche’s take on God, proposes a contrary hermeneutical analysis that posits “God” as a dead metaphor for ideal or absolute concepts. “God is dead” really means beyond good and evil, toward perspectivism.

Recommended Citation

Kijowski, James K. (1999) "A Critique of Ricœur's Call for Faith from the Atheism of Nietzsche: God is still Dead," Episteme: Vol. 10, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.denison.edu/episteme/vol10/iss1/5