Plato and Nietzsche on the Ideal Soul

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Riccardi, Mattia (Author) FLUP

Journal

Title: The Journal of Nietzsche Studies

Vol. 55 No. 1

Pages: 27-48

ISSN: 0968-8005

Publisher: Penn State University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scopus

MLA International Bibliography

ERIH Plus

Other information

DOI: 10.5325/jnietstud.55.1.0027

Abstract (EN): Nietzsche scholars have remarked on the similarities between his conception of the ideal soul and that of Plato. This article provides a systematic examination of this issue. The first part of the article demonstrates that there is in fact a substantive convergence between their views. However, this result is puzzling given that Nietzsche accuses Plato's moral psychology of being deeply ascetic. Thus, the second part of the article focuses on this charge. Though the textual evidence provided by Plato's dialogues remains ambiguous, the article concludes that it tends to support Nietzsche's case. However, Nietzsche not only recognizes—at least occasionally—that Platonic ascetism is less rabid than Christian ascetism but even concedes that it can prove healthy for certain people.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific