Der letzte Jünger des Philosophen Dionysos

Taking issue with biographical interpretations of Nietzsche, Hödl shows that Nietzsche's critique of religion cannot be understood solely from the negative experiences of his religious socialisation. The author presents a survey of the theoretical bases of Nietzsche's critique of religion and develops the direction of his religious philosophy from these. It is based on a more comprehensive aesthetical-cultural philosophy and, after destroying the 'essence' shaped by religions, is directed towards opening a space for a new human determination after the end of the 'old ideal'. Nietzsche's self-references are not primarily to be interpreted 'biographically', but within the context of this systematic design.

Hans-Gerald Hödl, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin und Universität Wien, Österreich.