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Hello Group,

I think one way to approach Nietzsche is through historical context, specifically in regards to the history of philosophy but also in the broader scope of his influence on the arts in general. It seems to me that Nietzsche has had a profound affect on how we think about our world and the best way to understand his thinking is to look at what he was arguing against. As a classical philologist Nietzshe was heavily influenced be the Greeks and it is through them in which he finds his own deeply personal view. Having been situated at the close of the nineteen century I think we find in Nietzshe issues and persepctives that come to dominate contemporary thinking.
I suggest we focus on Nietzsche?s theory of pespectivism which seems to encompass a major part of his thinking. I think by doing so we will be able to broaden the scope of the discussion to include issues such as:

Reality vs. Relativism
Subjectivity vs. Objectivity
Essence vs. Existence

I found a few articles regarding Nietzshean Perspectivism on the net that I?ll try and post if I can figure out how to do it.
With this being said a good place to start might be with asking this question: where do you see Nietzshe?s most important contribution in the historical development of philosophy lies and what specifically did he say that has contributed to our post modern world? What did he say that was a radical break from previous thinkers, and how were his ?prophecies? important in shaping history. Or, perhaps, like some scholars argue, his importance is highly overrated. This would also be interesting to debate. Personally, I don?t think it is. From psychology, to religion, to literature, the fine arts, and of course philosophy, I think he played a seminal role. I hope this will at least get us started, assuming, with Nietzsche, once we get started, there will be a lot to talk about.
As far as readings go I would like to suggest Nietzshe?s Ecco Homo. According to William Barret, author of Irrational Man: A Study in Existential Philosophy this short autobiographical work is the best introduction to his philosophy. It?s only about one hundred and fifty pages and available everywhere. As a secondary source I recommend Robert C. Solomon?s Living with Nietzsche: What the Great ?Immoralist? Has to Teach Us.
Upon perusing the OC philosophy website I see there is a way to post reading material for all of us to share and then discuss at the meeting. Unfortunately I have no idea how to transfer a reading to the computer so I wrote this instead.

Thanks,

Dan Corfield