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Single Idea 6579

[from 'The Gay (Joyful) Science' by Friedrich Nietzsche, in 13. Knowledge Criteria / E. Relativism / 3. Subjectivism ]

Full Idea

Nietzsche recommends an extreme version of perspectivism in holding that a person's view of the world is a function of that person's life-affirming (Heraclitean) or life-denying (Parmenidean) personality.

Clarification

Heraclitus and Parmenides were early Greek philosophers

Gist of Idea

Nietzsche's perspectivism says our worldview depends on our personality

Source

report of Friedrich Nietzsche (The Gay (Joyful) Science [1882]) by Robert Fogelin - Walking the Tightrope of Reason Ch.3

Book Reference

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.73


A Reaction

Fogelin recommends Nehamas on this topic. I am not convinced Nietzsche takes such an individual view as is implied here. See Idea 4420, for example. This view is in tune with Charles Taylor's view that our values shape our understanding of our selves.

Related Idea

Idea 4420 There is only 'perspective' seeing and knowing, and so the best objectivity is multiple points of view [Nietzsche]