*The Nietzsche Podcast* interview of Stephen Hicks

Interviewer: Keegan Kjeldsen. Topics 1. Beyond Good and Evil’s perspectival epistemology, 2. What the postmoderns took from Nietzsche, and 3. The individualist/anti-individualist contrasts between Ayn Rand and Friedrich Nietzsche. Show notes with timestamps just below:

Note developed by @gingerbreadzak

00:00  Stephen Hicks recounts his academic journey and interest in Nietzsche, starting from undergraduate education to becoming a philosophy professor.

02:13  Nietzsche’s chapter in “Beyond Good and Evil” challenges the traditional notion of philosophy, emphasizing drives over the pursuit of truth.

05:33  Nietzsche critiques the traditional concept of truth, asserting that it’s driven by deeper instincts rather than rationality.

10:23  Postmodernism draws from Nietzschean epistemology but diverges in social and value philosophies, emphasizing leftist ideals while Nietzsche leans towards a more right-wing perspective.

14:39  Postmodernism combines Nietzsche’s epistemology with Marx and Rousseau’s social philosophy, forming a complex amalgam of relativism and leftist values.

19:22  Nietzsche’s critique challenges the modernist notion of objective truth, posing a dilemma for philosophers whether to accept postmodernism or engage with Nietzsche’s critique to salvage modernist thought.

22:17  Human beings develop abstract concepts through sensory experiences and linguistic abilities.

23:49  Constructing theories involves integrating multiple sentences into narratives, such as understanding the water cycle.

24:16  Modern philosophy aims to understand sensation, abstraction, proposition formation, storytelling, and theory construction.

25:12  Objectivity in perception, abstraction, logic, and grammar is debated between objective and subjective philosophers.

26:55  There’s a tension between seeking truth and imposing will in philosophical arguments, as highlighted by Nietzsche.

28:03  Maintaining commitment to truth in a social context requires understanding social psychology and overcoming biases.

30:56  Developing internal heuristics helps individuals overcome biases and incorporate new data into their understanding.

32:30  Social obstacles, such as defensiveness and reputation concerns, can hinder the pursuit of truth in social contexts.

34:19  Nietzsche and Rand diverge fundamentally in their views on agency and individual responsibility, shaping their value theories differently.

38:32  Nietzsche’s celebration of exceptional individuals contrasts with his skepticism about agency and individual responsibility for the majority.

44:38  Nietzsche’s concept of the “Overman” involves elevating the human species towards evolution, emphasizing collective improvement rather than individualistic values.

46:24  Nietzsche’s philosophy contrasts with individualism, as he views individuals as means to an end for the improvement of the species rather than ends in themselves.

48:27  The discussion delves into the nature vs. nurture debate, exploring whether exceptional individuals like Steve Jobs are born with innate qualities or shaped by upbringing and circumstances.

51:14  The conversation extends to whether differences in innate abilities should affect moral philosophy, with the conclusion that moral principles should apply equally regardless of individual capabilities.

55:42  The discourse shifts to the state of cultural dialogue between modernity and postmodernity, noting a resurgence of engagement and debate within academia, signaling a pushback against postmodern dominance.

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