A course on Nietzsche as a political thinker with special emphasis on the critical and constructive potential of his thought for contemporary democracy and democratic theory. Key topics include: the problem of Nihilism and its manifestation in modern democracy; the agon and agonistic appropriations of Nietzsche’s thought; Nietzsche and Arendt; Nietzsche and Rawls on justice and perfectionism; grosse Politik; rethinking democratic values (freedom, equality, popular sovereignty) in Nietzschean terms.
Method of instruction
Lectures (hoorcollege) and seminars (2 hours + 1 hour)
Examination
Seminar presentations & assignments (20%) and paper (80%). Bachelor students write a paper of 4000 – 5000 words.
Required reading
Various texts from Nietzsche: Sämtliche Werke. Kritische Studienausgabe, vol.1 (dtv/de Gruyter, Berlin, 1980). ISBN 3-11-008117-2
Admission requirements
Good comprehension of German.
Timetable
see Rooster BA3-programma 2008-2009
Registration
Please register for this course via U-twist. See registration procedure
Information
dr. H.W. Siemens ( h.w.siemens@phil.leidenuniv.nl)
Remarks
Studiepad: Filosofie van mens en cultuur / Ethiek & Politieke filosofie / Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte
Language of instruction is English, although Dutch can be used for papers and contributions in class at BA3 level.
Available as elective subject to instructor’s agreement.