Abstract

This dissertation shows that Nietzsche considered himself a philosopher, not because he specifically engaged in metaphysics or epistemology, but because he attempted educating humanity about various patterns of living. Consequently, he is to be taken seriously as a philosopher because he instructed in the art of human living. Towards a demonstration of these claims, various commentators are investigated for the reasons they elevate Nietzsche to the level of philosopher. Nietzsche's remarks on university education are examined, his insistence on the contest as the chief element of educational method is considered in light of the teacher's right to lie and to mask himself. Further, the nature of Nietzsche's political concerns is considered. An implicit and explicit unit emerges from these considerations: Nietzsche is urging his readers, indeed all of civilization to follow an ethic of amor fati: one must become what one is. Despite the militaristic and even incendiary tone of Nietzsche's writings, finally, one sees that Nietzsche proposes the dance as the symbol of successful education because the dance integrates man back into nature, nature bounded by the dance of the eternal return. In the end, the answer to the question 'What must one teach?' must be: the dance