Final answer:
While modern science, particularly chaos theory, casts doubt on the literal possibility of eternal recurrence, Nietzschean scholars value the philosophical and existential implications of the concept. Nietzsche's eternal recurrence is appreciated for its ethical challenge to live in a way that one would desire to repeat indefinitely, and it is part of a broader critical discussion concerning values and the nature of existence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of eternal recurrence, as proposed by Friedrich Nietzsche, is taken seriously by scholars not necessarily as a scientific hypothesis but as a philosophical and metaphysical challenge to live life in such a manner that one could live it repeatedly, in its exact detail. Nietzsche's thought experiment serves to inspire a certain approach to life, encouraging one to live as if every moment would recur indefinitely. Thus, the philosophical significance of eternal recurrence lies not in its scientific veracity, but in its ethical and existential implications.
Modern science, particularly through chaos theory and understanding of cosmological constants, indicates that the precise repetition of events is improbable. However, this scientific position does not necessarily negate the philosophical value of the eternal recurrence concept. For instance, Einstein's introduction of the cosmological constant to balance gravitational forces in the universe speaks to the complex and dynamic nature of existence, which may prompt philosophical contemplation about the nature of the universe and our place within it.
Leibniz's philosophy suggests that humans lack the infinite perspective necessary to understand the cosmos fully or declare our world less than the best possible one. This introduces another layer to the discussion, augmenting the acknowledgment of the limitations of human knowledge and the assumption that chaos and complexity may contribute to an optimal universe.
Finally, understanding Nietzsche's genealogy shows his deconstructionist approach to morality and his disdain for the reversal of values in which the concepts of "good" and "evil" were shaped historically through linguistic transformations. Nietzsche contests traditional morality and advocates for a re-evaluation of values based on strength and nobility. This critique itself is a testament to the relevance of philosophical ideas beyond their immediate empirical verifiability, including the concept of eternal recurrence.