Natural science Quote by Brian Leiter
““Ahistorical commentators who too readily dismiss Nietzsche's interest in physiological questions (e.g., DeMan 1979: 119; Nehamas 1985: 120) miss the centrality of such ways of thinking to Nietzsche's naturalism and to the whole intellectual climate of the period. 'The naturalization of the image of man under the influence of natural science was the work of the materialist movement of the middle of the century' (Schnädelbach 1983: 229). In this regard, Nietzsche was very much a thinker of his times.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Nietzsche's Naturalism, scholarly article, 2020
Nietzsche's ideas were shaped by the scientific and materialist thinking of his era, not isolated philosophy.
In simple terms: Nietzsche was influenced by his time's science and materialism.
Key Takeaway
Consider the historical context of philosophical ideas.
Themes
philosophy
history
science
materialism
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
academic
critical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- teaching philosophy
- historical analysis
- intellectual debates
Key Concepts
naturalism
intellectual climate
Questions to Reflect On
- How does scientific thinking influence philosophical ideas?
- What other factors shaped Nietzsche's work?
A Different Perspective
Historical context may not fully explain all aspects of his thought.
![“Alessandro Manzoni, who based his conception on a different awareness of Christianity and of the mechanisms governing the mob and desire. As a young man Nietzsche admired Manzoni's masterpiece I promessi sposi [The Betrothed]; at least, he said so, though the results are not apparent.63 Girard…” quote by Giuseppe Fornari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ae5/giuseppe-fornari-75224_christianity_alessandro-manzoni-who-based-his-concept_1166815.jpg)
