Hegel, Nietzsche and the Criticism of Metaphysics

by Stephen Houlgate

This study of Hegel and Nietzsche evaluates and compares their work through their common criticism of the metaphysics for operating with conceptual oppositions such as being/becoming and egoism/altruism. Dr Houlgate exposes Nietzsche's critique as employing the distinction of Life and Thought, which itself constitutes a metaphysical dualism of the kind Nietzsche attacks. By comparison Hegel is shown to provide a more profound critique of metaphysical dualism by applying his philosophy of the dialectic, which sees such alleged opposites as defining components of a dynamic. In choosing to study a theme so fundamental to both philosophers' work, Houlgate has established a framework within which to evaluate the Hegel-Nietzsche debate; to make the first full study of Nietzsche's view of Hegel's work; and to compare Nietzsche's Dionysic philosophy with Hegel's dialectical philosophy by focusing on tragedy, a subject central to the philosophy of both.

Genres: Philosophy

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Stephen Houlgate (PhD University of Cambridge) is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick.

Houlgate's "interpretation of Hegel's logic and his philosophy more generally continues to be guided by his claim that speculative thought develops immanently and without systematic presuppositions." He "thus contest[s] Heidegger's assertion that Hegel thinks ‘in accordance with a predetermined idea of being’ (an assertion endorsed by Derrida and Deleuze, amongst others)."

Reviews

[efenibot · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Karl Hallbjörnsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book that touches on many interesting topics — for example, Houlgate touches on the Deleuzo-Nietzschean critique of negativity, he speaks on the hegelian judgment, compares the two thinkers with regard to their critiques of traditional metaphysics and much much more. The scholarship is really good and the style or prose is lucid and eminently readable.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant analysis on two amazing thinkers in the history of philosophy-