Challenging the Absolute

Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Europe's Struggle Against Fundamentalism

By: Simon F. Oliai

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Hardcover | 13 February 2015

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Hardcover
170 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
16.1 x 23.7 x 1.5

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Our contemporary world presents a seemingly inexplicable paradox. It is a world where interaction among societies of different cultural traditions has never been easier. A world in which modern technology has visibly overcome the physical barriers that had long condemned the majority of men to relative isolation from one another. Yet, our world is also one in which the illusion of a lost "original" cultural or religious identity, grounded by a metaphysical absolute, pits men against one another. A physically more accessible world has thus become an increasingly fundamentalist one. In this book, written in the wake of such influential European thinkers as Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, Derrida, and Vattimo, Simon Oliai analyzes the conceptual underpinnings of this paradox and argues that, unless the "European" affirmation of man's finite existence becomes universal, we shall never rid ourselves, to echo Nietzsche, of the repressive shadow of a long dead metaphysical idol.

Industry Reviews

I am strongly convinced that the crucial analysis of the metaphysical underpinnings of all manner of contemporary fundamentalism by Simon Oliai shall have not only contributed to elaborating a more precise definition of the current role of Western philosophy, but, more significantly, shed light on the universal function of all critical thought in our world. -- Gianni Vattimo, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Turin
Ever since its first efforts at integration were undertaken, Europe has constituted, historically that is, a space for reconciliation. Moreover, Europe has been founded on values among which tolerance and acceptance of differences occupy a privileged position. Simon Oliai is thus right in underscoring this line of thought whilst insisting on the need for its constant application. -- Michel Rocard, former prime minister of France and senior member of the European Parliament
Very few people have such a profound and intellectual appreciation of the cultural history and significance of Europe and Persia whilst also having lived in and experienced North America. -- Lord David Owen, CH, former British foreign secretary and EU envoy to Yugoslavia

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