THE EXALTATION OF GREEK RELIGIOSITY AND THE CRITICISM OF EPISTEMOLOGICAL OPTIMISM IN NIETZSCHE'S EARLY WRITINGS

Abstract

Nietzsche, in his early writings, unleashes severe criticisms of epistemological optimism and its pretension to explain all worldly and human phenomena through the guiding thread of logic and rationality. This conception, on the rise in the second half of the 19th century, is considered by the German philosopher as a guideline that impoverishes and weakens vital dynamics. In contrast, the philosopher extols and defends artistic activity as the model that provides justification and enrichment of existence. In The birth of tragedy, it is among the Greeks that Nietzsche detects this conflict and emphasizes that Greek religiosity and its close link with art are superior to the scientific perspective. In the Untimely meditations the philosopher launches his investigation into his century and continues to denounce the sterile nature of science in its relationship with life.