Abstract

In his notes Nietzsche refers to 'the struggle between science and wisdom exhibited in the ancient Greek philosophers'. Nietzsche's own view about 'science' (learning) was to the effect that, at its best, it should be greatly respected yet always tested by the demands of personal wisdom, an 'egotistical' quality which nevertheless transcends self-indulgence. Keith May considers the meaning and implications of Nietzsche's belief in relation to philosophy up to the time of Aristotle, and then its bearing on modern (essentially nihilistic) attitudes, to which it supplies something of an antidote. This study entails a fresh reading of Nietzsche's treatment of some Presocratic thinkers, including new interpretations of Heraclitus and Parmenides, followed by independent if roughly 'Nietzschean', considerations of Socrates and Plato. Aristotle's concept of being is related to being as will to power. This leads to an analysis of Nietzsche's apprehension of the soul (named 'Ariadne') and finally to thoughts of how we might now aim to overcome the Greeks.