Nietzsche’s View on Freedom: Exploring Complexity and Contradiction

Friedrich Nietzsche’s perspective on freedom is both complex and critical.

Bug Makyx
3 min readNov 14, 2023

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By Gustav-Adolf Schultze (d. 1897) — Nietzsche by Walter Kaufmann, Princeton Paperbacks, Fourth Edition. ISBN 0–691–01983–5, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95963

Nietzsche’s thoughts on freedom are far from simple and require continuous efforts to unify due to their scattered presence across his writings. Experts categorize his views into two main sectors: freedom as an ethical ideal and the nature of the self to which freedom is attributed. This categorization demonstrates Nietzsche’s stress on the theoretical understanding of the individual and the ethical implications of autonomy in practice.

Contradictions in Nietzsche’s Concept of the Self

A fundamental contradiction in Nietzsche’s philosophy lies in his theoretical and practical views of the individual. On an academic level, Nietzsche sees the individual as an illusion. However, his practical philosophy suggests a robust and concrete sense of self. This contradiction is crucial for grasping Nietzsche’s idea of freedom, showcasing his nuanced approach to personal autonomy and the creation of values.

Challenging Traditional Free Will and Identity

Nietzsche questions the traditional notion of a cohesive identity and autonomous decision-making. He…

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Bug Makyx
Bug Makyx

Written by Bug Makyx

Non-binary freelance writer from western Canada, Lifelong learner with a passion for philosophy and independent study.

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