Nietzsche and Kant: Metaphysics
In order to discuss Nietzsche’s critique of metaphysics against Kant’s critique of metaphysical knowledge, we need to have a clear definition of what metaphysics actually is. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that investigates questions concerning the ultimate reality (Masters). Basically, what is real? For example, is materialism true, or are there some sort of spirits associated with the material world? What is the nature of time and space? These are some metaphysical questions. Meta is a Greek prefix meaning beyond. Therefore, metaphysics is that which is beyond physics, as in our material world. Both Nietzsche and Kant had some pretty interesting views on metaphysics in their time. In this …show more content…
He believed that humans are born with some sort of knowledge about this metaphysical world that you cannot experience (Rohlf). Kant called these beginning concepts synthetic a priori, which all minds have. Kant’s critique of pure reason showed us that he denied speculative reason. He turns to the question “Is it possible to know things in themselves?” In order to for something to be an object of knowledge, we must experience it. However, he says we can never directly experience anything. He argues that our perception of reality is the result of a combined interaction between objects and the internal structures of our minds (Rohlf). For example, if a person is wearing glasses with a blue tint, everything they see will have a view tint. Same way our minds work. They filter objects through the forms of time, space, and causality. Therefore, he concludes that it is impossible to have knowledge of things in …show more content…
“Nietzsche and Phenomenology: Power, Life, Subjectivity.” Project MUSE, Indiana University Press, 2017, muse.jhu.edu/chapter/845305.
Masters, Paul Leon. “Metaphysics.com.” Metaphysicscom, University of Metaphysics, 2010, metaphysics.com/what-is-metaphysics/.
Rohlf, Michael. “Immanuel Kant.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 20 May 2010, www.plato.stanford.edu/entries/kant/.
Silverman, Allan. “Plato's Middle Period Metaphysics and Epistemology.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 9 June 2003,
In order to discuss Nietzsche’s critique of metaphysics against Kant’s critique of metaphysical knowledge, we need to have a clear definition of what metaphysics actually is. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that investigates questions concerning the ultimate reality (Masters). Basically, what is real? For example, is materialism true, or are there some sort of spirits associated with the material world? What is the nature of time and space? These are some metaphysical questions. Meta is a Greek prefix meaning beyond. Therefore, metaphysics is that which is beyond physics, as in our material world. Both Nietzsche and Kant had some pretty interesting views on metaphysics in their time. In this …show more content…
He believed that humans are born with some sort of knowledge about this metaphysical world that you cannot experience (Rohlf). Kant called these beginning concepts synthetic a priori, which all minds have. Kant’s critique of pure reason showed us that he denied speculative reason. He turns to the question “Is it possible to know things in themselves?” In order to for something to be an object of knowledge, we must experience it. However, he says we can never directly experience anything. He argues that our perception of reality is the result of a combined interaction between objects and the internal structures of our minds (Rohlf). For example, if a person is wearing glasses with a blue tint, everything they see will have a view tint. Same way our minds work. They filter objects through the forms of time, space, and causality. Therefore, he concludes that it is impossible to have knowledge of things in …show more content…
“Nietzsche and Phenomenology: Power, Life, Subjectivity.” Project MUSE, Indiana University Press, 2017, muse.jhu.edu/chapter/845305.
Masters, Paul Leon. “Metaphysics.com.” Metaphysicscom, University of Metaphysics, 2010, metaphysics.com/what-is-metaphysics/.
Rohlf, Michael. “Immanuel Kant.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 20 May 2010, www.plato.stanford.edu/entries/kant/.
Silverman, Allan. “Plato's Middle Period Metaphysics and Epistemology.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 9 June 2003,