Nietzsches Search for Philosophy: On the Middle Writings

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In Nietzsches Search for Philosophy: On the Middle Writings Keith Ansell-Pearson makes a novel and thought-provoking contribution to our appreciation of Nietzsches neglected middle writings. These are the texts Human, all too Human (1878-80), Dawn (1881), and The Gay Science (1882). There is a truth in the observation of Havelock Ellis that the works Nietzsche produced between 1878 and 1882 represent the maturity of his genius. In this study he explores key aspects of Nietzsches philosophical activity in his middle writings, including his conceptions of philosophy, his commitment to various enlightenments, his critique of fanaticism, his search for the heroic-idyllic, his philosophy of modesty and his conception of ethics, and his search for joy and happiness. The book will appeal to readers across philosophy and the humanities, especially to those with an interest in Nietzsche and anyone who has a concern with the fate of philosophy in the modern world.

Reviews

Ansell-Pearson describes the unique characteristics of Nietzsche's middle period with great learning and illuminating subtle expositions of key texts. * European Journal of Philosophy *
Ansell-Pearsons readings of texts central to Nietzsches ethical thinking are among the most valuable parts of the book ... one that will intrigue and enlighten its readers. * British Journal for the History of Philosophy *
Both a philosophically valuable and enjoyable read ... This book is recommended to every scholar interested in working with the middle works, as well as to scholars interested in a systematic study of Nietzsches references to and employment of the Stoic and Epicurean traditions. * The Agonist *
What is perhaps most valuable about Ansell-Pearsons latest book on Nietzsche, however, is that it squarely focuses on matters that, though they are only now beginning to receive the attention they deserve in Anglophone commentarial circles, are of tremendous importance for the study of Nietzsche ... Ansell-Pearsons book provides generous resources for the still untimely self-overcoming of the genre in which it is nested. * Journal of the History of Philosophy *
The core argument of Nietzsches Search for Philosophythat we should not ignore the middle periodis impossible to disagree with. Ansell-Pearsons discussion of the works in question describe a thrilling series that readers will likely find themselves inclined to consult directly. * Rain Taxi *
Keith Ansell-Pearson illuminates, with subtlety and care, neglected middle period writings of Nietzsche, such as Dawn, showing how he reinvents philosophy as experiments in living and, above all, as fostering a new joy of the spirit. A fascinating and mature book from a sensitive thinker. -- Simon May, Visiting Professor of Philosophy, Kings College London, UK
In this series of beautifully crafted, accessible and informative essays on Human, All Too Human, Dawn and The Gay Science, Ansell-Pearson rediscovers a philosophical persona not usually associated with the name of Nietzsche: Epicurean, pro-Enlightenment, anti-fanatical, dedicated to the passion for knowledge and to the cultivation of humanity by means of a calm and modest cultivation of the self. These essays make a compelling case for the richness and importance of the middle period works and call for a re-evaluation of what we take to be Nietzsches philosophy. -- Paul Patton, Scientia Professor of Philosophy, The University of New South Wales, Australia

Author Bio

Keith Ansell Pearson holds a Personal Chair in Philosophy at the University of Warwick, UK.