Abstract

In Beyond Good and Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche announced his project to develop a philosophy of the future that would equip philosophers to better deal with human reality. He was only able to work on that project for two years, however, before he ceased publishing in 1888. In Nietzsche Pursued, Richard Schacht provides a comprehensive picture of this philosophy of the future as far as Nietzsche envisioned it and pursues it further along lines that Nietzsche himself might have taken. Focusing on the philosopher's most important writings from the years before and after Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Schacht explicates a number of Nietzsche's developing interests and ideas. These include the naturalistic elements of Nietzsche's thought, perspectivism, morality and normativity, his concept of "will to power," and more. Together, these components set the agenda for the kinds of analytical and interpretive thinking Nietzsche has in mind for future philosophers. Schacht also confronts aspects of Nietzsche's thinking that are problematic and must be reckoned with in pursuing his kind of philosophy. Nietzsche Pursued illuminates Nietzsche's final project, carving a space for it in the history of philosophy and calling for its inclusion in the ongoing philosophy of the future.