How Nietzsche and Socrates Were Incompatible Philosophical Figures

Frederick Nietzsche, a prominent figure in the late 19th-century philosophy, challenges the noble character and philosophical method of ancient philosopher Socrates. In his work Twilight of the Idols, Nietzsche Nietzsche casts a critical eye on Socrates, seeing him as a Socrates who embodies a philosophy that is both self-defeating and in opposition to his own Dionysian worldview. This article delves into the ways in which Nietzsche perceived Socrates as an enemy and the basis of this philosophical enmity.

Nietzsche’s Opposition to Platonism

Nietzsche's heightened critique of Socrates is not rooted merely in personal disdain, but in a broader philosophical paradigm. At the root of this antagonism is Platonism, a school of thought that gains primacy in Socrates' teachings.

Nietzsche, as a staunch materialist, asserts that Socrates is a proponent of Platonism, reinforcing the eternal and transcendent values of truth. This alignment with Platonism is seen by Nietzsche as self-debilitating and meaningless. Plato's idealized forms suggest a belief in a realm of perfect, unchanging truths—far removed from the tangible, evolving reality around us. Nietzsche vehemently disagrees with this perspective, arguing that this belief is self-defeating.

Nietzsche’s Dionysian Philosophy: A Direct Contrast to Socrates

In Twilight of the Idols, Nietzsche introduces the dichotomy between the Dionysian and the Apollonian, concepts which are central to his philosophy and serve as a lens through which he analyses Socrates. The Apollonian represents reason, wisdom, law, and order—traits that Nietzsche sees as oppressive and auto-deprecating. In contrast, the Dionysian symbolizes joy, indulgence, and the appreciation of life, which Nietzsche advocates as the true essence of human existence.

Socrates, for Nietzsche, is a Dionysian figure, neatly encapsulating the Apollonian philosophy. Socrates, being the prototypical rational philosopher, introduces two significant components that Nietzsche finds problematic:

The Virtue of Reason and Socrates as a Saviour

The first criticism that Nietzsche levels against Socrates centers on Socrates' equation of reason with happiness and virtue. Nietzsche finds this equation to be fundamentally at odds with the Greek culture, which celebrates a life rich in sensory experiences and emotions. According to Nietzsche, Socrates’ teachings set him on the throne of a savior figure, as he posits the superiority of reason over all else despite his own material lack of happiness. Through pseudo-haloing himself, Socrates promotes a view of life that Nietzsche deems both hypocritical and harmful.

The Dialectical Method and Its Malice

The second aspect of Socrates' method that Nietzsche criticizes is the dialectical method. Nietzsche perceives the dialectical method as a tool that allows less sophisticated philosophical views to gain momentum and, over time, to overshadow more profound and life-affirming views. This shift in societal values results in a society that is too reliant on reason and too dismissive of emotional and sensory experiences. According to Nietzsche, this leads to a society where reason has become a tyrant, suppressing the natural and joyful aspects of life. The result is a culture that is absurdly rational and detached from reality.

Nietzsche’s Critique of Twentieth-Century German Culture

It is important to note that Twilight of the Idols was written as a critique of the prevailing culture in 19th-century Germany, which Nietzsche saw as nihilistic. Thus, his criticisms are not solely directed at Socrates but are part of a broader attack on the cultural and philosophical trends of his time.

In the context of the German society, Nietzsche sees Socrates as part of an intellectual lineage that undermines life-affirming values in pursuit of abstract and idealized truths. This critique is neither personal nor purely academic; it is fundamentally about countering what Nietzsche perceives as the destructive forces of nihilism and reason.

Conclusion

The incompatibility between Nietzsche and Socrates is rooted in their differing philosophical paradigms. Nietzsche sees Socrates as a figure who fosters a culture of idealism and self-debilitation, in stark contrast to his own vision of a life-affirming, joyful existence. The dialectical method, in its insidious propagation of shallower and more cynical views, and the superficial equation of reason with happiness further reinforce this conflict.

Nietzsche's critique is not just about his view of Socrates but is also a reflection on the societal ills of a culture that he perceives as too focused on abstract and nihilistic principles. This examination of the historical and intellectual differences between these two philosophers provides a lens through which we can better understand the profound impact of their ideas on the course of Western philosophy and culture.