Nihilism is not so much a school of philosophy as it is a general trend or attitude in philosophy, moral philosophy, and politics. What all forms of nihilism share in common is a sense that some basic facets of life - be it morality or structures of political authority - are in reality baseless and without genuine substance. Although nihilism may seem at first to be a very negative perspective, nihilists themselves would be quick to dismiss such a conclusion.
By and large nihilists direct their negative critiques at prevailing social structures, but they simultaneously argue that the elimination of those false facades would allow for the development of improved and more 'real' social relations. The goal, ultimately would be the complete freedom and liberation and every sovereign individual from all prejudices, pieties, and figures of authority.
As is the case with Existentialism, the basic principles which underlie nihilism existed long before there was a term that attempted to describe them as a coherent whole. In the case of nihilism, most of the basic principles can be found in the development of ancient skepticism among the ancient Greeks.
Like anarchism, nihilism has been unjustly regarded as a violent and even terroristic philosophy. Unjust as it may be, though, it is true that nihilism has been used in support of violence and many early nihilists were violent revolutionaries. The connection between nihilism and violence may not be necessary and inherent, but it is historical.
Early Russian Nihilism had an apolitical streak and later nihilistic philosophies tended to be apolitical in nature, but even Russian Nihilism also contained a strong element of political activism. Those who argued against the reality of traditional morality also often argued that the social structures which served to uphold morality and authority should be taken down, by force if necessary.
There is a misconception that the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was a nihilist. As widespread as it it, it isn't really an accurate portrayal of his work. Nietzsche wrote a great deal about nihilism, it is true, but that was because he was concerned about the effects of nihilism on society and culture, not because he advocated nihilism.
One primary understanding of nihilism which existed even within early Russian Nihilism and has continued down through today is the idea that moral norms, but especially traditional morality, cannot be justified by any rational or scientific standards. As a consequence, they have no 'reality' - they do not exist anywhere except in the minds of people and hence do not really 'exist' at all.
Aside from moral nihilism, the other primary sense of the term which existed as a part of early Russian Nihilism and which has continued even today might be called 'existential nihilism.' It shares a close affinity with Existentialism, arguing that human life is ultimately trivial and meaningless. Where it parts company with Existentialism, however, is in the level of resulting despair...
Many of the most common responses to the basic premises of nihilism come down to despair: despair over the loss of God, despair over the loss of objective and absolute values, and/or despair over the postmodern condition of alienation and dehumanization. That does not, however, exhaust all of the possible responses...
Like nihilism and existentialism, the idea of 'Death of God Theology' is not so much a coherent school of philosophy as it is a trend or mood in modern theology. It argues that there needs to be a transformation from a Christian to a 'post-Christian' theology. This theology is supposed to be, in the words of F. Thomas Trotter, 'anti-metaphysical, earnestly moral, and hopefully secular.'
Atheism has long been closely associated with nihilism, both for good and for bad reasons, but usually for bad reasons in the writings of critics of both. It is alleged that atheism necessarily leads to nihilism because atheism necessarily results in materialism, scientism, ethical relativism, and a sense of despair that must lead to feelings of suicide.
Principles source of information used in the creation of the resources on Nihilism and Nihilistic philosophy
