Vitalism and Nihilism: Philosophical Perspectives on Life and Existence

Vitalism: An Introduction

Vitalism reflects on life in both a biological and biographical sense, encompassing experience and historicism. These philosophies emerged in protest against idealism and positivism, defending irrationality and denying the primacy of reason. They argue that reason cannot grasp true reality. Vitalism posits that:

• Being is absolute and essentially irrational, unknowable by reason alone.
• Claims to know reality solely through reason are absurd, as reality escapes rational thought.

Key figures in Vitalism include Nietzsche, Bergson, and Ortega y Gasset. Vitalism emphasizes that:

1. The vital phenomenon cannot be explained solely by physical-chemical forces.
2. A vital force or "will to power" exists in nature.
3. The study of life encompasses not only biology but also affections, passions, and human instincts.

Nihilism: A Historical Movement

Nihilism, a significant historical movement, is described by Nietzsche's phrase, "God is dead." This challenges the validity of the supersensible world and its order, leaving humanity without a clear sense of purpose. Nihilism manifests in two ways:

• Negative Nihilism: The destruction of the Platonic-Christian tradition and Western values.
• Positive Nihilism: Reflection on nihilism, examining its origins and potential escapes.

Nietzsche divides nihilism into three stages:

1. Immediate consequence of the destruction of traditional values, leading to doubt and confusion.
2. Affirmation of the nihilistic process, involving reflection and distancing from tradition.
3. Starting point towards a new perspective on being and humanity, driven by the "will to power."

Nietzsche rejects monotheism in favor of polytheism, embracing the plurality of perspectives and human freedom. He suggests that the gods died laughing upon hearing that one of them was unique, advocating for multiple finite gods over a single almighty one.