Michel Foucault and the Games of Truth

The book emphasises the affinity between Foucault's and Nietzsche's thought. Both philosophers tried to give clarity to modernity's arbitrary nature. Following on from Foucault's diagnostic enquiries into a 'History of Sexuality' and Nietzsche's appreciation of ancient culture, Nilson's study shows a practical consequence: the self-stylization of the individual. This aesthetical attitude replaces belief in metaphysical and even scientific meaning, thus leading to a philosophy-of-life. Nilson's book targets all those who wish to give their life a unique form.

Autorentext

HERMAN NILSON was born and raised in Hessen, West Germany, and moved to West Berlin in 1984 to study comparative literature, philosophy, English and German studies at the Free University. After completing his studies in 1992, he began working as a freelance journalist for one of Berlin's leading daily papers.

Zusammenfassung
The book emphasises the affinity between Foucault's and Nietzsche's thought. Following on from Foucault's diagnostic enquiries into a 'History of Sexuality' and Nietzsche's appreciation of ancient culture, Nilson's study shows a practical consequence: the self-stylization of the individual.

Inhalt
Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction PART ONE: PAGAN SELF-TECHNOLOGIES The Art of Temperance A Culture of the Self PART TWO: FOUCAULT'S ETHOS The Role of Power The Project of the Genealogies Modernity as an Attitude The Care of the Truth Technologies of the Self Aesthetics of Existence I, Nietzsche Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index