Nihilism

by Stanley Rosen

"The growing importance of reason in philosophy concerns Stanley Rosen in this essay. Rosen's primary objective is to defend Plato & classical philosophy against Martin Heidegger's radical existentialist criticism...Many critics of Heidegger consider his dubious politics during the early days of Nazi rule irrelevant to the understanding of his work. Rosen argues, on the contrary, that Heidegger's philosophy helps explain his initial enthusiasm for, & later submission to, the Nazi regime. The argument yields genuine insight into the connection between philosophical & political nihilism. Furthermore, exposing the evil consequences of nihilistic thought adds to his stout defense of the classical tradition."--Elliot Feingold, Book Week
"Those who ignore his book do so at their peril. It vigorously poses issues which have been too long neglected by both political scientists & political theorists."--R.L. Nichols, American Political Science Review
"This is an impressive book...Part of the interest of this book resides in its structure, which analyses moments in the history of ideas to sketch a systematic critique of theoretical & practical reason."--Times Literary Supplement

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Politics, Essays

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Stanley Rosen was Borden Parker Bowne Professor of Philosophy and Professor Emeritus at Boston University. His research and teaching focused on the fundamental questions of philosophy and on the most important figures of its history, from Plato to Heidegger.

Reviews

[I-kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Rosen works I've read. A serious and strong philosophical thesis backed up by a solid grasp of the history of Western philosophy. Within the limits of academic style, it occasionally comes close to poetic formulations of the issue, that is, it unifies insight and beauty.

The overall thesis can be straightforwardly stated: the divorce of reason from goodness, or any notion of rationality that is divorced from the principles of good/bad, true/false, etc., implies nihilism, which is quite creatively stated in this book as "the indifference towards speech and silence."

Ambiguity: at a certain point, Rosen claims that his thesis is ahistorical, i.e. modern European nihilism is only one possible manifestation of it (e.g. p. 137). Later he argues that nihilism usually does not occur without considerable reflection or experience that motivates the mutual liberation of reason and goodness from one another (p. 213: the terms used here are "speech" and "desire"). But this means, I believe, that nihilism is a particularly "modern" phenomenon, "modern" understood as any era that is aware of the past as its past.

[Will Spohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book, lot’s of insight. However, it was marred (at least to me, being so unsophisticated) by the use of non-english quotes for footnotes and some other things. Obviously that isn’t the authors fault, but I would have liked to read the footnote quotes. While I enjoyed reading this immensely, I found that a lot, perhaps the majority, just went over my head, especially the “positive” part of the book. I just don’t have the understanding of Plato requisite for the level of thinking going on.

2nd time, much more intelligible than the first reading, though the last two “positive” sections were still beyond me for the most part. Rereading this has definitely made me inclined to read more of Rosen’s work. I think his understanding of his approach to the issue of nihilism and our other related, contemporary woes contra that of Strauss is also one I have to consider, and one that I think might prove helpful in counteracting my own human, all-too human “hero-worshipping” proclivities. Don’t be like Apollodorus or Aristodemus!

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nihilism: A Philosophical Essay" by Stanley Rosen, first published in 1969, is a scholarly inquiry into the multifaceted concept of nihilism, examining its historical roots, philosophical implications, and existential consequences. Rosen, a distinguished scholar of existentialism and political philosophy, offers a rigorous analysis that navigates the complex terrain of nihilistic thought.

The book begins with a meticulous historical survey, tracing the roots of nihilism from its origins in 19th-century Russian literature to its manifestations in German philosophy, particularly in the works of Friedrich Nietzsche. Rosen effectively maps the evolution of nihilism, demonstrating its adaptability across various intellectual landscapes and its capacity to shape both individual consciousness and societal structures.

Rosen's engagement with Nietzsche is a highlight of the book. He delves into Nietzsche's critique of traditional values, his exploration of the will to power, and the profound implications of Nietzschean nihilism. Rosen's interpretation of Nietzsche goes beyond a mere exposition; it offers a nuanced analysis that considers the subtleties and complexities within Nietzsche's philosophy.

One of the notable strengths of "Nihilism" lies in Rosen's exploration of existential consequences. He examines the impact of nihilistic thought on human subjectivity, moral values, and the very fabric of culture. Rosen's ability to connect abstract philosophical concepts with concrete existential realities enhances the relevance and significance of the work.

However, the book's academic rigor and depth may pose challenges for readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of existential philosophy and German thought. Rosen's erudite prose and his reliance on philosophical terminology may make certain sections less accessible to a broader readership.

While Rosen's analysis is comprehensive, some critics argue that certain aspects of nihilism, especially its contemporary manifestations or its intersections with cultural and political phenomena, could have received more attention. The book's focus on historical and philosophical dimensions might be perceived as limiting for those seeking a more interdisciplinary exploration.

“Nihilism: A Philosophical Essay" by Stanley Rosen is a formidable contribution to the philosophical discourse on nihilism. Its historical depth, meticulous analysis of Nietzschean thought, and exploration of existential consequences make it a valuable resource for scholars and students in philosophy, intellectual history, and existential studies. The book's academic density may pose challenges for general readers, but its intellectual richness renders it an essential text for those grappling with the profound implications of nihilistic thought.

GPT