Dialogue with Nietzsche

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For over forty years, Gianni Vattimo has been a prominent figure in the postwar philosophical revival of Nietzsche. In this collection of essays, he engages in a dialogue with both Nietzsche and the Nietzschean tradition, examining key themes such as the Ubermensch, time, history, truth, hermeneutics, ethics, and aesthetics. Vattimo presents a distinctive interpretation of Nietzsche that diverges from typical German and French perspectives, emphasizing his political philosophy and relevance to social change, shaped by the revolutionary spirit of 1968. Unlike many contemporary French and poststructuralist thinkers who focus on literary or aesthetic aspects, Vattimo argues for a political hermeneutics of Nietzsche's work. He also critically engages with Heidegger, whose influence on Nietzsche's interpretation is profound. Vattimo offers a unique Heideggerian understanding of Nietzsche that contrasts with Heidegger's view of him as the ultimate metaphysician, instead positioning Nietzsche as a pioneer of postmetaphysical thought. Throughout the essays, Vattimo extensively quotes from Nietzsche's notebooks, many of which are newly translated into English. His clear and accessible writing reveals his intellectual evolution, making a compelling case for a new direction in Nietzsche scholarship.