Overview

A timely new interpretation of Nietzsche’s politics which reconciles the apparent contradictions in Nietzsche’s texts by defining his politics as “ethical libertarianism.” Nietzsche’s politics has been the subject of much debate, with the existing scholarship largely divided between aristocratic and anti-democratic readings on the one hand, and democratic readings on the other. This book takes its place in the emerging trend of trying to find a “third way” by arguing that Nietzsche's philosophy implies a form of libertarianism. This interpretation emphasizes individual self-transformation and the need to organize society in a way which best facilitates this for its members. While libertarianism is closest to Nietzsche’s requirements, it needs to be reformulated to be made fully consistent with his philosophy. This requires a rejection of any grounding of the natural rights of the individual, presumed to be equal for all, in a metaphysical conception of the self. A Nietzschean “ethical libertarianism” would be based on protecting equal access of individuals to conditions which promote self-cultivation. It is thus democratic, but also meritocratic, as rights will be seen to accrue on the basis of individual development.

Full Product Details

Author:   Andrew Duclos ,  Ashley Woodward (Dundee University, UK)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint:   Rowman & Littlefield
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.454kg
ISBN:  

9781666938067

ISBN 10:   1666938068
Pages:   272
Publication Date:   08 January 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  

Table of Contents

Foreword by Ashley Woodward Preface List of Abbreviations Introduction Part One: Nietzsche’s Ontology 1. Nietzsche’s Concept of the Self 2. One’s Relation to the Self 3. Becoming and Will to Power 4. Reinterpreting the Will to Power, Becoming, and Nietzsche’s Ontology Part Two: Nietzsche’s Ethics 5. The Self as Perspectival and Interpretive 6. The Role of Opposition and Overcoming in the Self 7. Eternal Recurrence and Amor Fati as Interpretive Mechanisms for Overcoming 8. Self-Cultivation and Life-Affirmation 9. Traits for Self-Cultivation 10. Free Spirits 11. The Übermensch 12. The Social Fabric, Culture, and the Individual 13. A Possibility for Anyone Part Three: Nietzsche’s Politics 14. Political Aristocratism 15. Nietzsche contra Democracy in General 16. Democratic Liberalism 17. Democratic Conservatism 18. Ethical Libertarianism Conclusion: Life-Affirmation Bibliography Index

Reviews

Author Information

Andrew Duclos (1992-2017) held a masters degree in continental philosophy from Warwick University, and was working toward a PhD at the University of Dundee. Ashley Woodward is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Dundee.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Countries Available

All regions