Nietzsche's Eternal Recurrence

Paper Summary:

This paper explains how Nietzsche's concept of "Eternal Recurrence" have resulted in misunderstandings and controversy. A key, controlling idea that will help provide an understanding of this important notion is the recognition of Nietzsche's distancing of himself from Enlightenment views. With this in mind, this paper reviews some commentaries. It is then possible to provide coherent criticism of the literal, physical interpretation. This paper favors looking at "Eternal Recurrence" as a psychological construct, providing an ethical imperative.

From the Paper:

"Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the Eternal Recurrence has been the cause of much commentary and controversy in interpretation. There is a way to bring coherence to this notion one that was so pivotal for him. But to come to such a proper understanding, this paper will need to review how Nietzsche was no friend of the Enlightenment. By acknowledging how the ideal of progress and the favoring of reason were anathema to him, it is possible to see the Eternal Return, not as a literal, physical cosmology, but as a psychological construct."

More papers on Nietzsche's Eternal Recurrence:

• Essay # 54784 : "Nietzsche and Eternal Recurrence"
• Argumentative Essay # 147068 : "The Death of God in Nietzsche"
• Analytical Essay # 128415 : "Making Sense of Nietzsche"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: