Middlebury

PHIL 0418

Nietzsche & Greek Thought

Nietzsche and Greek Thought: Tragedy and Philosophy
This seminar explores the profound influence Greek thought wielded upon Nietzsche. We will focus on Nietzsche's understanding of the complex relation between tragedy and philosophy: Greek tragedy is born out of the spirit of music and the twin deities of Apollo and Dionysus; it dies under attack from Socratic rationalism; but it reemerges when philosophy reaches its limits and yields to a tragic insight, as exemplified by the "music-making Socrates." We will ask how this artistic Socrates relates to Nietzsche's own tragic hero, Zarathustra, and why tragedy affirms life and overcomes pessimism. Readings selected from Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, the Pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, and Nietzsche. (Junior and senior majors, or by waiver) 3 hrs. sem.
Subject:
Philosophy
Department:
Philosophy
Division:
Humanities
Requirements Fulfilled:
EUR PHL
Equivalent Courses:

Sections

Spring 2025

PHIL0418A-S25 Seminar

Fall 2017

PHIL0418A-F17 Seminar (Woodruff)

Spring 2016

PHIL0418A-S16 Seminar (Woodruff)

Fall 2012

PHIL0418A-F12 Seminar (Woodruff)

Fall 2010

PHIL0418A-F10 Seminar (Woodruff)

Fall 2009

PHIL0418A-F09 Seminar (Woodruff)

Fall 2006

PHIL0418A-F06 Seminar (Woodruff)

Spring 2005

PHIL0418A-S05 Lecture (Woodruff)