Nietzsche's Eternal Recurrence as a Psychological Test of Action

Authors

Micah Dugas, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Abstract

How ought we to make sense of the doctrine of eternal recurrence? First of all, it follows Nietzsche’s attack on traditional morality, and is an answer to the question: What takes the place of immortality in a world in which God is Dead? But the doctrine is not meant to be a metaphysical hypothesis—such a thing would be at odds with Nietzsche’s thoughts on memory, choice, and the “laws” of nature. Nor is it dogmatic or like Kant’s Categorical Imperative. Rather, “eternal recurrence” is meant to help serve the powerful human who is not like the rest of society—the overman. We must defend the psychological test interpretation of the eternal recurrence, because it better harmonizes with Nietzsche’s body of work.

Recommended Citation

Dugas, Micah (2008) "Nietzsche's Eternal Recurrence as a Psychological Test of Action," Episteme: Vol. 19, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.denison.edu/episteme/vol19/iss1/2