The Will to Power: The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche

By: The Great Courses, Kathleen M. Higgins, Robert C. Solomon

Narrated by: Kathleen M. Higgins, Robert C. Solomon

Who was Friedrich Nietzsche? This lonely and chronically ill, yet passionate, daring, and complex man is perhaps the most mysterious and least understood of all contemporary philosophers. Why are his brilliant insights so relevant for today? How did he become the most misinterpreted and unfairly maligned intellectual figure of the last two centuries?

To provide shape to Nietzsche's thought, each of these 24 lectures focuses on specific ideas that preoccupied Nietzsche while tracing the profound themes that give meaning to his work. You'll get a chance to put Nietzsche's life and work in a larger historical and philosophical context. You'll explore the controversial philosopher's subtle, complex critique of both religious belief and Greek rationalism.

You'll also spend a wealth of time focusing on Nietzsche's famous writing style, which deftly combines the majesty of the prophet, the force of the Homeric warrior, and the lyricism of the poet - but which nonetheless is rife with inconsistencies, exaggerations, and personal attacks. And you'll get a better understanding of Nietzsche's complaints and criticisms of the intellectual currents of his time: Christian moralism, evolution, socialism, democracy, and nationalism.

As you make your way through these lectures, you'll discover that Nietzsche, even at his most polemical and offensive, exudes an unmistakable enthusiasm and love of life. In fact, you'll see that his exhortation to learn to love and accept one's own life, to make it better by becoming who one really is, forms the project that is the true core of his work.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1999 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)1999 The Great Courses

Very accessible and illuminating

I have been trying to understand Nietzche’s writings for many years, and I have listened to many lectures about him. Never before have I walked away feeling this optimistic about the possibility of finally having some grasp of what Nietzsche’s complex philosophical system might be all about. I look forward to returning to some of Nietzsche’s writings with the tools that these passionate scholars supply in these lectures. Well worth the time.

A solid introduction

This course functions well as an introduction to Nietzsche or a way of better understanding his writing. This isn’t really a textual analysis but more abroad overview of his major themes. The parts where the instructors weigh in on polemic issues of Nietzsche scholarship are a high point. At times this course is a little entry level however so buy accordingly.

great information

thought provoking, enlightening and easy to comprehend. A solid buy for anyone who loves philosophy

Inspiring

One of the best lectures I’ve ever heard. Will bring Nietzsche in a whole new light. The authors knows every small detail and bring these details at length to light. Highly recommended.

Enlightening lectures on a Powerful Individual!

Educational and well researched, however there energy and confidence dips halfway through. It's worth reading.