The great philosophers--is there anything wrong with reading Nietzsche, for example?

[whatevergirl]

He is a German philosopher, and just wondering if it would be wrong for a Catholic to read his books? Some of his work discusses his views on atheism and Christianty, but on purely a philosophical level. I also like Greek philosophy…is there anything wrong with reading such literature, for a Catholic?

 

[Techne]

Nope, but – as when you read anything – strive to learn the intent and context of the author, and to use that to help you understand what is written and guide your conclusions about what is written. For instance, you’ve already decided that these philosophers are “great”. Why? You should decide that only after you have read them and others, and discussed them with other people (include a few Catholics, if you can) who are reading and thinking critically.
Also, notice if your sympathies or sentiments regarding your faith shift just because of what you are reading. If so, pick up some of the greats from our tradition, and use that tendency in your favor.

 

[kooldood]

Nope, but – as when you read anything – strive to learn the intent and context of the author, and to use that to help you understand what is written and guide your conclusions about what is written. For instance, you’ve already decided that these philosophers are “great”. Why? You should decide that only after you have read them and others, and discussed them with other people (include a few Catholics, if you can) who are reading and thinking critically.
Also, notice if your sympathies or sentiments regarding your faith shift just because of what you are reading. If so, pick up some of the greats from our tradition, and use that tendency in your favor.

Exactly. Don’t accept everything they say without digesting it first.

 

[Prodigal_Son]

Exactly. Don’t accept everything they say without digesting it first.

And in Nietzsche’s case, don’t accept anything he says at all. But feel free to find him mildly interesting, if profoundly disturbing.

 

[whatevergirl]

And in Nietzsche’s case, don’t accept anything he says at all. But feel free to find him mildly interesting, if profoundly disturbing.

*He IS disturbing haha That is funny you say that! I thought I was alone in thinking it. I love deep thinkers and writers. These classic writing styles are like eating a rich piece of chocolate cake…you are truly full when you’re done. lol

The only problem I have with his writings, besides not agreeing from a Catholic point of view, is that he writes in a very angry way. I don’t care for that, but if you can get past that, his point of view if pretty fascinating…even if you disbelieve. He thinks he’s writing objectively. *

 

[whatevergirl]

Nope, but – as when you read anything – strive to learn the intent and context of the author, and to use that to help you understand what is written and guide your conclusions about what is written. For instance, you’ve already decided that these philosophers are “great”. Why? You should decide that only after you have read them and others, and discussed them with other people (include a few Catholics, if you can) who are reading and thinking critically.
Also, notice if your sympathies or sentiments regarding your faith shift just because of what you are reading. If so, pick up some of the greats from our tradition, and use that tendency in your favor.

Great as in famous (famous in the historical sense), not necessarily great as in the best. That is what I meant. I agree with what you say here. I sometimes wonder if these books could be dangerous if one doesn’t have a strong foundation in Christ. I don’t know. :ehh:

 

[AdriannaJean]

Well calling him a Great Philosopher might be stretching it a bit

There is nothing wrong with you reading his books, however, I can tell you his ideas in a few points here:

• Good and Evil do not exist, the weak have made them up to restrict the strong
• “God is dead”
• Just the will is important, it does not matter what you will or why
• Living a lie is perfectly acceptable if it makes you happy because truth is relative

This is a link to a prominent Catholic philosopher’s article on Nietzsche.

peterkreeft.com/topics-more/pillars_nietzsche.htm

It’s not wrong to read it, but why you wouldnt read a philosopher with decent ideas instead is beyond me.

 

[Nec5]

It is essential to read works by Nietzsche and other similar thinkers/philosophers. It’s important to read your opposition’s work to understand the mindset. Only then will you be able to see the punches coming. And you’ll become an uberhuman in the process too.

 

[whatevergirl]

Well calling him a Great Philosopher might be stretching it a bit

There is nothing wrong with you reading his books, however, I can tell you his ideas in a few points here:

• Good and Evil do not exist, the weak have made them up to restrict the strong
• “God is dead”
• Just the will is important, it does not matter what you will or why
• Living a lie is perfectly acceptable if it makes you happy because truth is relative

This is a link to a prominent Catholic philosopher’s article on Nietzsche.

peterkreeft.com/topics-more/pillars_nietzsche.htm

It’s not wrong to read it, but why you wouldnt read a philosopher with decent ideas instead is beyond me.

Thanks for the link Adrianna–I like to read all kinds of non fictional works…I MAINLY read Catholic books (Catholic authored books) but I have always liked philosophy books. I find Nietzsche to be an angry soul…sometimes, it is helpful to read such works to know where a someone of his mindset is coming from. I LOVE all of CS Lewis’ works…In Mere Christianty, he speaks of his days as an atheist and how he came to know Christ, and converted. I often wonder why people like Nietzsche never evolved to a different way of thinking, perhaps, the irony of his works, and others like him is this–that he/they think they are thinking beyond the likes of you and me, but really, they are close minded. Food for thought. *

 

[Darryl1958]

He is a German philosopher, and just wondering if it would be wrong for a Catholic to read his books? Some of his work discusses his views on atheism and Christianty, but on purely a philosophical level. I also like Greek philosophy…is there anything wrong with reading such literature, for a Catholic?

If anyone want to know about the darkness into which Western civilization has descended into post-Nietzche, his works are essential reading.
He offers no life lines from that void without a center, none that he would not later come to reject anyways.

It is dark reading for sure, but an accurate description of life’s possibilities, without God.

All in all, a fitting epitaph for modern life in the twentieth century.

 

[Newbie2]

It is essential to read works by Nietzsche and other similar thinkers/philosophers. It’s important to read your opposition’s work to understand the mindset. Only then will you be able to see the punches coming. And you’ll become an uberhuman in the process too.

Good point.

In some sense one has to give credit to philosophers such as Nietzsche and others for being great thinkers, although misguided in their conclusions.

Nothing wrong with reading them, as long as one is careful about agreeing with their thought processes and conclusions. It’s easy sometimes, with some of the great minds, to go along with their line of thinking as it frequently makes logical sense…but not theological sense.