Ein individuelles gesetz? Zu den spannungen in nietzsches und simmels konzeptionen von recht und moral

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Abstract

With the notion of an “individual law”, Nietzsche tries to combine individuality and universality in a way that allows to conceive lawfulness under the perspective of the individual, and not in opposition to it. However, the notion of an individual law is characterized by a certain tension, which has led to different reactions. The paper illustrates this tension in regard to master versus slave morality (1.) and the law of Manu (2.). Both are individual laws which have been overcome because the ruled began to claim a more general, a more equitable legislation. On the other side, the free spirit (3.) is concerned with freedom from itself, its challenge is to see individuality not as a new general quality. Simmel’s notion of the individual law (4.) is based on the possibility of a reconciliation between the opposites; the individual remains individual even in its general social roles. This means, however, that the tension manifest in Nietzsche is given up.

Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)195-219
Number of pages25
JournalNietzsche-Studien
Volume37
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

Keywords

  • Free spirit
  • Individuality
  • Law
  • Manu
  • Master morality

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