Nietzsche for physicists

TL;DR

This paper explores the influence of physics on Nietzsche's philosophy, highlighting his concepts like will to power and eternal recurrence, and discusses how perspectivism frames science as a game.

Contribution

It offers a novel interpretation of Nietzsche's philosophy through the lens of physics, emphasizing the role of perspectivism in understanding science.

Findings

Nietzsche's concept of will to power is linked to physical force.

Eternal recurrence is inspired by energy conservation principles.

Perspectivism suggests viewing science as a game.

Abstract

One of the most important philosophers in history, the German Friedrich Nietzsche, is almost ignored by physicists. This author who declared the death of God in the 19th century was a science enthusiast, especially in the second period of his work. With the aid of the physical concept of force, Nietzsche created his concept of will to power. After thinking about energy conservation, the German philosopher had some inspiration for creating his concept of eternal recurrence. In this article, some influences of physics on Nietzsche are pointed out, and the topicality of his epistemological position$-$the perspectivism$-$is discussed. Considering the concept of will to power, I propose that the perspectivism leads to an interpretation where physics and science in general are viewed as a game.