Is Ecce Homo Nietzsche's Apology? "a Yes, a No, a straight line, a goal ... "

Abstract

<p>Socrates abounds in Nietzsche's writings. From beginning to end, in major works and throughout notes and other materials, Nietzsche attempts to fathom the problem of Socrates. One's interpretation of Nietzsche's Socrates bears or. one's reading of Ecce Homo, Nietzsche's final original, last to be published (posthumously), and perhaps most widely misunderstood work. This thesis contributes to Nietzsche studies by casting some light on the text in terms of this problem. According to Nietzsche's sequential and systematic formula of "a Yes, a No, a straight line, a goal .. . ", three separate preliminary studies of literature addressing the problem and question prepare a subsequent connecting commentary and investigation of the evidence of the texts. The results of the inquiry indicate that beyond even the majestic Heraclitus, none other than Socrates is Nietzsche's first and last philosopher. The underlying theme is that Nietzsche constructed his life and literature, art and philosophy, upon the "parable and parallel" of Socrates. Thus it is suggested that one read Nietzsche in light of the dialogues. In this light, Nietzsche's last work forms an ironic commentary on the Apology and problem of Socrates, the subsequent all too sudden collapse into the abyss of madness the tragic irony.</p>