Authors
Which author did not preach a doctrine but presented ideas from both sides of nihilism?
Ivan Turgenev
Define an "Ubermensch"
Superman- best version of yourself
What is active vs passive nihilism?
Active- You actively change for the better and strive to create meaning
Passive- You allow meaninglessness to take over
Which author was best known for their view on despair?
Emil Cioran
Why is Turgenev's novel titled Fathers and Sons? What nihilistic dilemma is it referencing?
The generational divide between political nihilists and the old generation.
Name 3 of the 4 types of nihilism (or all 4 for an extra 100 pts)
Political Nihilism
Epistemological Nihilism
Existential Nihilism
Which author argued for active nihilism?
Nietzsche
What does Emil Cioran argue about philosophers/philosophy?
They are wasting their time trying to find meaning
What is the difference between nihilism and existentialism?
Nihilism- There is no given meaning
Existentialism- There is no given meaning so you must create your own
Which author inadvertently named the nihilistic movement in Russia?
Ivan Turgenev
Ivan Karamazov believes what about a world without G-d? (explain why for an extra 100 points)
Everything is permissible.
If there is no G-d there are no moral consequences so you can do anything you want on this plain of existence.
Describe how religious nihilists views meaning
Religion gives meaning by providing morals and the concept of an "afterlife"
Which author argued that by taking religion out of society people would always turn to violence?
Dostoyevsky
The "Parable of the Madman" says what three things about the destruction of religious systems?
- There is a void left behind
- Something needs to replace it
- The impact has yet to be seen
Describe how a secular nihilist views meaning
General society decides meaning and morals
What is the most common question posed by nihilistic authors?
What happens once everything is destroyed?