PLS3709
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2026
TOPIC 2
Due date: 5 October 2026
TOPIC 2: NIETZSCHE AND NIHILISM
What do you understand by nihilism? Do you think of Nietzsche as arch
critic of nihilism, or as the strongest advocate of nihilism? Motivate your
answer
1. Introduction
Nihilism is one of the most difficult ideas in Nietzsche because his writing attacks
many beliefs that normally give people moral direction, while at the same time
searching for a stronger way of valuing life. In simple terms, nihilism describes a
condition in which accepted values lose their authority and life seems to have no
, TOPIC 2: NIETZSCHE AND NIHILISM
What do you understand by nihilism? Do you think of Nietzsche as arch
critic of nihilism, or as the strongest advocate of nihilism? Motivate your
answer
1. Introduction
Nihilism is one of the most difficult ideas in Nietzsche because his writing attacks
many beliefs that normally give people moral direction, while at the same time
searching for a stronger way of valuing life. In simple terms, nihilism describes a
condition in which accepted values lose their authority and life seems to have no
secure meaning or purpose, which the PLS3709 study material connects with the
belief that nothing is worth valuing (University of South Africa, 2010, p. 107). The
problem is therefore not only whether a person believes in God, but whether the
values used to guide life still have genuine force after their old foundations have
weakened.
The central argument of this essay is that Nietzsche should be understood mainly as
an arch critic of nihilism rather than its strongest advocate, even though his method
can easily create the opposite impression. His attacks on Christianity, metaphysics,
universal morality and fixed truth appear destructive, yet the purpose behind this
destruction is to expose life denying values and clear space for a more honest
affirmation of earthly life. This reading is strengthened because overcoming nihilism
has been identified as a central aim running through Nietzsche's major ideas and
connecting his negative criticism with his positive proposals for life (Reginster, 2006).
I will therefore consider both interpretations, test their strengths and weaknesses,
and defend the interpretation that his philosophy is anti nihilistic in purpose even
when its language remains dangerous and unsettling.
2. Understanding nihilism
2.1 Nihilism as a crisis of value and meaning
Nihilism should not be reduced to ordinary sadness, disbelief or a temporary feeling
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2026
TOPIC 2
Due date: 5 October 2026
TOPIC 2: NIETZSCHE AND NIHILISM
What do you understand by nihilism? Do you think of Nietzsche as arch
critic of nihilism, or as the strongest advocate of nihilism? Motivate your
answer
1. Introduction
Nihilism is one of the most difficult ideas in Nietzsche because his writing attacks
many beliefs that normally give people moral direction, while at the same time
searching for a stronger way of valuing life. In simple terms, nihilism describes a
condition in which accepted values lose their authority and life seems to have no
, TOPIC 2: NIETZSCHE AND NIHILISM
What do you understand by nihilism? Do you think of Nietzsche as arch
critic of nihilism, or as the strongest advocate of nihilism? Motivate your
answer
1. Introduction
Nihilism is one of the most difficult ideas in Nietzsche because his writing attacks
many beliefs that normally give people moral direction, while at the same time
searching for a stronger way of valuing life. In simple terms, nihilism describes a
condition in which accepted values lose their authority and life seems to have no
secure meaning or purpose, which the PLS3709 study material connects with the
belief that nothing is worth valuing (University of South Africa, 2010, p. 107). The
problem is therefore not only whether a person believes in God, but whether the
values used to guide life still have genuine force after their old foundations have
weakened.
The central argument of this essay is that Nietzsche should be understood mainly as
an arch critic of nihilism rather than its strongest advocate, even though his method
can easily create the opposite impression. His attacks on Christianity, metaphysics,
universal morality and fixed truth appear destructive, yet the purpose behind this
destruction is to expose life denying values and clear space for a more honest
affirmation of earthly life. This reading is strengthened because overcoming nihilism
has been identified as a central aim running through Nietzsche's major ideas and
connecting his negative criticism with his positive proposals for life (Reginster, 2006).
I will therefore consider both interpretations, test their strengths and weaknesses,
and defend the interpretation that his philosophy is anti nihilistic in purpose even
when its language remains dangerous and unsettling.
2. Understanding nihilism
2.1 Nihilism as a crisis of value and meaning
Nihilism should not be reduced to ordinary sadness, disbelief or a temporary feeling
