TLDR;
This video explores the multifaceted concept of nihilism, breaking it down into different types and dimensions. It distinguishes between total, moral, and conventional nihilism, examining both theoretical and practical aspects of each. The video emphasizes that nihilism isn't a singular philosophy but a spectrum of ideas concerning the rejection of value. It also introduces the idea that a degree of nihilism can be beneficial, particularly in questioning societal norms and personal values.
- Nihilism is not a single philosophy but a set of ideas.
- There are different types of nihilism: total, moral and conventional.
- It's helpful to be nihilistic about certain things.
Nihilism [0:00]
The video starts by addressing the common perception of nihilism as the belief that nothing matters, a concept often associated with hopelessness and despair. The presenter aims to analyze what nihilism truly means, moving beyond the typical doomsday predictions. The goal is to provide a practical way of understanding the philosophy, acknowledging that it is a complex, multi-dimensional concept.
The Total Nihilist [1:42]
The most extreme form of nihilism is the belief that nothing has value, rendering all situations equivalent. The total nihilist would see no reason to prefer one action over another, as all value statements are considered false. The video distinguishes between theoretical and practical total nihilists. A theoretical nihilist may claim that no value statements are true but still acts like everyone else. A practical nihilist, on the other hand, would be unable to act in any conscious way, lacking any motivation. The video argues that true practical total nihilists are rare, as even acts like suicide imply a value judgment. Belief is presented as a disposition for action, meaning that if someone acts, they inherently demonstrate some form of belief or value.
The Moral Nihilist [7:13]
Moral nihilism involves rejecting ethical meaning and pursuing one's own ends without regard for morality. This is different from total nihilism, as it specifically rejects values in the moral domain. The video again distinguishes between theoretical and practical moral nihilists. A theoretical moral nihilist might argue that moral statements are false, while a practical moral nihilist would not be motivated by any moral considerations. Practical moral nihilists might still adhere to laws, but out of fear of punishment rather than moral agreement. There is a crossover between moral nihilism and egoistic Hedonism, but someone could be unmotivated by moral concerns and still be motivated by other pursuits, such as art.
The Conventional Nihilist [11:40]
Conventional nihilism involves rejecting societal conventions, with the ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes as a prime example. Unlike total or moral nihilists, conventional nihilists reject individual conventions rather than entire classes of statements. The historical movement of Russian nihilism, which sought to overthrow the Zar and change Russian society, is presented as an example. Theoretical conventional nihilists may see societal conventions as arbitrary but still participate in them, while practical conventional nihilists actively reject these conventions. The video notes that conventional nihilism is less inherently destructive than total or moral nihilism, with some conventional nihilists being seen as visionaries.
The Dimensions of Nhilism [15:51]
Nihilism is not a single philosophy but a set of ideas linked by the rejection of value. These ideas stem from existential questions arising from the Enlightenment. The video identifies the rejection of value and the lack of motivation as key aspects of nihilism, noting that these aspects are closely linked but can also diverge. The concept of nihilism is relative, making sense only when specifying what someone is nihilistic about. Existential crises are framed as situations where the supply of value does not meet the demand, and nihilism becomes gradable, as people can value things to different extents. The video concludes by suggesting that a degree of nihilism can be helpful, particularly in questioning societal roles and the opinions of others.