19th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
Three Readings of Nietzsche's Modernity
Dennis L. Trinkle
Dr. Stephen Pollard, Faculty Mentor
The terms ‘modern’ and ‘postmodern’ are used in a multitude of platforms for discourse on the meaning of contemporary life in Western culture, but while these definitions are often conflicting and inconsistently applied, one of the things most widely agreed on is the importance of Friedrich Nietzsche’s thought for the development of our contemporary situation. We will examine three interpretations of Nietzsche’s modernity: one that labels him modern, one postmodern, and one that questions the clarity of any divide in Nietzsche’s thought between such positions. Such an examination will enable us to examine Nietzsche thought and will illuminate some common uses of the terms ‘modern’ and ‘postmodern’, as well as evaluate whether we have gone through a ‘crisis of modernity.’ Nietzsche remains relevant to contemporary Western culture and its assumptions; examining the categories we apply to his thought may help us hear what he has to say more clearly.
Keywords:
Topic(s):Philosophy & Religion
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 10-5
Location: OP 2111
Time: 9:15