Hegel, Nietzsche and the Criticism of Metaphysics

Hegel, Nietzsche and the Criticism of Metaphysics by Houlgate, Stephen. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780521322553.

This study of Hegel and Nietzsche evaluates and compares their work through their common criticism of the metaphysics for operating with conceptual oppositions such as being/becoming and egoism/altruism. Dr Houlgate exposes Nietzsches critique as employing the distinction of Life and Thought, which itself constitutes a metaphysical dualism of the kind Nietzsche attacks. By comparison Hegel is shown to provide a more profound critique of metaphysical dualism by applying his philosophy of the dialectic, which sees such alleged opposites as defining components of a dynamic. In choosing to study a theme so fundamental to both philosophers work, Houlgate has established a framework within which to evaluate the Hegel-Nietzsche debate; to make the first full study of Nietzsches view of Hegels work; and to compare Nietzsches Dionysic philosophy with Hegels dialectical philosophy by focusing on tragedy, a subject central to the philosophy of both.