Abstract

The fourth chapter discusses Nietzsche’s reception of Spinoza. Nietzsche’s explicit and implicit criticisms will be used in order to identify key points of contact that can help us compare and contrast two philosophies steeped in immanence and naturalism. The first and second parts of this project consist in a diachronic analysis of Nietzsche’s engagement with Spinoza, as Nietzsche knew him from various commentaries, and in a discussion of the major themes in play. The third part is an evaluation of Nietzsche’s criticisms that helps us gain a sense of the coherence running through them, as well as of the core similarities and differences between their philosophies.