Question

Was Nietzsche right about the will to power? Specifically, did he (or any of his interpreters) prove (let's take Kant's system as a cut off for 'proof') that the will to power, either individually or otherwise, is the best criteria for judging whether something works (correct me if I'm wrong there).

If so, please sketch how he did so (that's why I ask, rather than for opinion).

While it may make intuitive sense to claim all sorts of things about "the will to power" (which I know little about), sacrificing all our idols and gods to it may also be a little rushed, whomever we are (nb my genuine but limited interest in Nietzsche stems from the desire to see the greatest thing, rather than how to recognise it).

Answer 1

Nietzsche's will to power is a philosophical idea articulating an inherent human drive for dominance and influence, serving more as a critical perspective than an empirical proof. It is an existential assertion focusing on the truth behind our motivations, yet it has faced criticism for promoting what some see as a ruthless approach to life.

Step-by-step explanation:

Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the will to power is a central idea in his philosophy, suggesting that the intrinsic drive for power is the fundamental force behind human behavior. This notion implies that individuals are primarily motivated to dominate and impose their will on others. Nietzsche and his interpreters did not provide empirical proof for this theory in the scientific or Kantian sense. Instead, it stands as a philosophical perspective, a lens through which to view human motivation and social interaction. Nietzsche's criticism of existing moral systems, especially those rooted in Judeo-Christian values, leads him to advocate for a reevaluation of moral beliefs based on the natural inclinations of human beings toward power and excellence.

Regarding the assessment of efficacy and judgment of actions under Nietzsche's philosophy, the will to power is not a rigid framework to measure success in the conventional sense. Rather, it is an existential assertion about the nature of human ambition and the underlying motives behind our actions and societal structures. While Nietzsche's ideas resonate with some, providing a stimulating critique of traditional ethics, others critique his ideas as promoting a ruthlessness incompatible with a humane society.