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Nietzsche, Heidegger, and the Return of the Far Right: A Philosophical Investigation

Bobby Howard

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Published in Dangerous Minds: Nietzsche Heidegger And The Return Of The Far Right

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In recent years, there has been a resurgence of far-right movements and ideologies around the world. From the election of Donald Trump in the United States to the rise of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany, the far right is once again a major force in global politics.

Dangerous Minds: Nietzsche, Heidegger, and the Return of the Far Right

by Iris Berent

4.2 out of 5

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This resurgence has been accompanied by a renewed interest in the philosophies of Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger. Both Nietzsche and Heidegger have been criticized for their anti-Semitism and their elitism, and some have argued that their philosophies provide a philosophical foundation for the far right's ideology and rhetoric.

In this article, I will explore the complex relationship between Nietzsche, Heidegger, and the rise of the far right. I will argue that while there are some superficial similarities between the philosophies of Nietzsche and Heidegger and the ideology of the far right, there are also important differences. Ultimately, I will argue that Nietzsche and Heidegger cannot be held responsible for the rise of the far right, but that their philosophies can help us to understand the appeal of the far right to some people.

Nietzsche and the Far Right

Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher who lived in the 19th century. He is best known for his critique of Christianity and his advocacy of a "will to power." Nietzsche has been a controversial figure since his death, and his work has been interpreted in many different ways.

Some have argued that Nietzsche's philosophy is a precursor to the ideology of the far right. They point to Nietzsche's anti-Semitism, his elitism, and his glorification of violence. However, it is important to note that Nietzsche was a complex thinker, and his work cannot be easily reduced to a single ideology.

For example, while Nietzsche was anti-Semitic, he also criticized German nationalism and anti-Semitism. He argued that Christianity was a "slave morality" that had weakened the German people. Nietzsche also advocated for a "will to power," but he did not believe that this meant that the strong should dominate the weak. Rather, he believed that the strong should use their power to create new values and to help others to become stronger.

Ultimately, it is difficult to say definitively whether or not Nietzsche's philosophy is a precursor to the ideology of the far right. However, it is clear that Nietzsche's work has been used by some far-right groups to justify their own ideologies and rhetoric.

Heidegger and the Far Right

Martin Heidegger was a German philosopher who lived in the 20th century. He is best known for his work on ontology, phenomenology, and hermeneutics. Heidegger's work has been highly influential in philosophy, and it has also been used by some far-right groups to justify their own ideologies and rhetoric.

Like Nietzsche, Heidegger has been criticized for his anti-Semitism and his elitism. However, it is important to note that Heidegger's work is much more complex than Nietzsche's, and it is difficult to reduce it to a single ideology.

For example, while Heidegger was anti-Semitic, he also criticized German nationalism and anti-Semitism. He argued that the Nazis were a "mob" that had perverted German culture. Heidegger also advocated for a "return to being," but he did not believe that this meant that we should reject technology or modernity. Rather, he believed that we should use technology to help us to understand our own being and to live more authentic lives.

Ultimately, it is difficult to say definitively whether or not Heidegger's philosophy is a precursor to the ideology of the far right. However, it is clear that Heidegger's work has been used by some far-right groups to justify their own ideologies and rhetoric.

In this article, I have explored the complex relationship between Nietzsche, Heidegger, and the rise of the far right. I have argued that while there are some superficial similarities between the philosophies of Nietzsche and Heidegger and the ideology of the far right, there are also important differences. Ultimately, I have argued that Nietzsche and Heidegger cannot be held responsible for the rise of the far right, but that their philosophies can help us to understand the appeal of the far right to some people.

It is important to remember that the far right is a complex and diverse movement. There is no single ideology that unites all far-right groups, and there are many different factors that have contributed to the rise of the far right in recent years. However, the philosophies of Nietzsche and Heidegger have played a role in the development of far-right ideology, and their work can help us to understand the appeal of the far right to some people.

Dangerous Minds: Nietzsche, Heidegger, and the Return of the Far Right

by Iris Berent

4.2 out of 5