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Nietzsche's theory has many similarities with Callicles thought in Plato's Gorgias (Nietzsche and Callicles on Happiness, Pleasure, and Power). However, he did not explicitely mention Callicles in his writings. Did he acknowledge anywhere having read Gorgias dialogue?

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Final answer:

Nietzsche did not explicitly mention reading the 'Gorgias', but his philosophical views align with Callicles and include references to Platonic thoughts. Nietzsche saw Christianity as a popular form of Platonism, and his master and slave morality concept bears resemblance to Platonic dialogues.

Step-by-step explanation:

Friedrich Nietzsche, a profound philosopher, did not make explicit claims about reading Plato's Gorgias, but he was undoubtedly familiar with Platonic thoughts and dialogues, given his frequent references to Plato and his critique of Platonism. Nietzsche's philosophy does draw parallel lines to Callicles in Gorgias, especially in respect to happiness, pleasure, and power. Nietzsche's concept of the 'will to power' echoes the Calliclean idea that 'might is right', suggesting a connection between their thoughts. Additionally, Nietzsche's description of Christianity as 'Platonism for the masses' implicates his view on religion as a diluted form of philosophy catering to the broader public.

In Nietzsche's view, philosophy and religion could conceivably merge, with philosophical principles becoming widely adopted as a form of religious belief. Fundamentally, Nietzsche perceives Christianity as a philosophy that has been adopted and adapted by the masses, turning philosophical ideas into religious doctrine. The phrase 'master and slave morality', which is central to Nietzsche's work, also seems to have roots in the dialogues of Plato, particularly in the distinction made between noble and base souls, and the power dynamics outlined by characters like Callicles.

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