Constructing Nietzsche's Politics: Ethical Libertarianism

(Hardback)

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A timely new interpretation of Nietzsches politics which reconciles the apparent contradictions in Nietzsches texts by defining his politics as ethical libertarianism.

Nietzsches politics has been the subject of much debate, with the existing scholarship largely divided between aristocratic and anti-democratic readings on the one hand, and democratic readings on the other. This book takes its place in the emerging trend of trying to find a third way by arguing that Nietzsche's philosophy implies a form of libertarianism. This interpretation emphasizes individual self-transformation and the need to organize society in a way which best facilitates this for its members. While libertarianism is closest to Nietzsches requirements, it needs to be reformulated to be made fully consistent with his philosophy. This requires a rejection of any grounding of the natural rights of the individual, presumed to be equal for all, in a metaphysical conception of the self. A Nietzschean ethical libertarianism would be based on protecting equal access of individuals to conditions which promote self-cultivation. It is thus democratic, but also meritocratic, as rights will be seen to accrue on the basis of individual development.

Author Bio

Andrew Duclos (1992-2017) held a masters degree in continental philosophy from Warwick University, and was working toward a PhD at the University of Dundee.
Ashley Woodward is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Dundee.