Nietzsche’s account of nihilism and his philosophy of life affirmation can be regarded as a response to the following question, “Why should we consider the philosophical ways of life that we explore in our units on the good life?”
Begin by explaining nihilism and how it poses a challenge to living a meaningful life.
Next, explain Nietzsche’s account of nihilism.
Then, pick two philosophical perspectives we have considered (Aristotle, Epicureanism, Stoicism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Ancient Aztec Virtue Ethics).
Explain the specific aspects of these philosophical perspectives that you think bests respond to the challenge posed by nihilism.
Lastly, evaluate the degree to which the two perspectives you have explained successfully respond to the challenge of nihilism: do they articulate a way of life capable of overcoming nihilism? Explain why or why not.
