Science and Critique in Nietzsche and Max Weber

In this thesis I argue that Nietzsche and Weber have common points, or to put it precisely, that in Max Weber’s thought Nietzsche’s presence can be detected. Specifically, and in light of the passage from Science as a Vocation, my focus will be on the critique of science they both articulated. My thesis is that Weber’s attitude towards science bears similarities to Nietzsche’s despite the grave differences separating their thought. I will argue that both rejected the idea of scientific objectivity as well as the belief in science’s capacity to generate ultimate values. The reasons for this rejection lie in fact that in their accounts science stands as the main force which carried forward the Death of God and the process of disenchantment (Entzauberung) in modernity. However, for both science still retains its instrumental importance and hence neither Nietzsche nor Weber relapse into positions that disregard science as such. In effect, I argue, Nietzsche and Weber affirm science...Show moreIn this thesis I argue that Nietzsche and Weber have common points, or to put it precisely, that in Max Weber’s thought Nietzsche’s presence can be detected. Specifically, and in light of the passage from Science as a Vocation, my focus will be on the critique of science they both articulated. My thesis is that Weber’s attitude towards science bears similarities to Nietzsche’s despite the grave differences separating their thought. I will argue that both rejected the idea of scientific objectivity as well as the belief in science’s capacity to generate ultimate values. The reasons for this rejection lie in fact that in their accounts science stands as the main force which carried forward the Death of God and the process of disenchantment (Entzauberung) in modernity. However, for both science still retains its instrumental importance and hence neither Nietzsche nor Weber relapse into positions that disregard science as such. In effect, I argue, Nietzsche and Weber affirm science although they do not ascribe to it anything more than its instrumental value. However, the heterogeneity of their critiques as regards to science and philosophy in general arises from Nietzsche’s commitment to a contestation of values aiming at the enhancement and affirmation of life itself, whereas Weber insists on the character of vocation (Beruf).Show less

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Science and Critique in Nietzsche and Max Weber