Essential Philosophical & Theological Concepts: Nietzsche, Augustine, Ancient Greek Ideas

Concepts of God and Proofs of Existence

Here we define fundamental theological and philosophical concepts related to the nature and existence of God.

Deism

Deism posits that God exists and can be known through reason, but He is entirely detached from human affairs. This God neither intervenes in the world nor requires prayer. He is simply a necessary element to explain the world's existence and its inherent order.

Theism

Theism asserts that God exists and can be known through reason, but especially through faith. This God creates the world and actively cares for His creation. This is the God found in most religions.

Ontological Argument

The Ontological Argument is a proof of God's existence based on the idea of God we hold in our minds. We conceive of a perfect being; if such a being is perfect, it must exist; it would be absurd to conceive of a perfect being that lacks existence.

Ethical Proof of God's Existence

The Ethical Proof of God's Existence is based on two otherwise inexplicable facts: human freedom and our innate sense of right and wrong. This moral conscience enables us to judge actions—both our own and those of others—as good or bad.

Philosophical Concepts of Love

This section explores various interpretations of love from ancient Greek philosophy to Saint Augustine.

Eros

In ancient Greece, Eros represented passionate love, encompassing both intense desire and romantic idealization.

Philia

In ancient Greece, Philia signified love as friendship and companionship, founded on mutual respect. It was considered the most important type of love in Aristotle’s ethics.

Cupiditas (Saint Augustine)

Cupiditas, as defined by Saint Augustine, is a selfish and misguided love, centered on worldly pleasure and personal satisfaction. It leads to corruption and sin, distancing individuals from God and true happiness.

Caritas (Saint Augustine)

Caritas, according to Saint Augustine, represents the purest and truest form of love. It is directed toward God and all human beings, recognizing them as our brothers and sisters. This love brings us closer to a full and happy life.

Key Ideas in Nietzsche's Philosophy

Here we delve into fundamental concepts from the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche.

Übermensch ("Overman")

The Übermensch ("Overman") is the new human who, according to Nietzsche, has finally freed themselves from the perceived 'lies' of metaphysics, religion, morality, politics, science, and progress.

Dionysian Spirit (Nietzsche)

The Dionysian Spirit is one of the two fundamental aspects of the Greek spirit, as interpreted by Nietzsche. Dionysus symbolizes disorder, darkness, the merging with the crowd, and ecstatic drunkenness. The art form primarily representing it is music.

Tragedy (Nietzsche)

According to Nietzsche, Tragedy is the perfect Greek art form, embodying the duality of the Apollonian and Dionysian spirits. Tragedy is pedagogical because it portrays life authentically, without illusions such as the deus ex machina.

Nihilism (Nietzsche)

Nihilism is the state of humanity when it ceases to believe in the 'false values' it created to endure life. Nietzsche considered nihilism dangerous because an individual who believes in nothing may ultimately self-destruct.

Camel (Nietzsche)

In Nietzsche's metaphor of humanity’s spiritual evolution, the Camel symbolizes early humans who carried the heavy burden of rules imposed by nature, religion, and politics.

Child (Nietzsche)

In Nietzsche's metaphor of humanity’s spiritual evolution, the Child symbolizes the individual who remains after the 'death of God' and the collapse of all moral, scientific, and philosophical falsehoods. This new human can embrace life with the innocent freedom of a playing child—without fear or conventional hope.