Nihilism <TAG1> is a philosophical current that denies the existence of objective values, knowledge and meaning of life. The term comes from the Latin word nihil («nighter») and reflects the main idea: the lack of fundamental foundations for human existence.
Historical context
The term was used in medieval theology, but in a different sense: to denote a heresy that denied the human nature of Jesus Christ. However, the modern understanding of nihilism came much later.
Who and when introduced the term in the modern sense?
The modern understanding of nihilism gained popularity thanks to the Russian writer Ivan Turgenev and his novel «Parents and Children» (1862). The main character, Yevgeny Bazarov, became the archetype of a nihilist who rejected any authorities, principles and traditional values that cannot be scientifically proven. His famous phrase: «Nihilist — is a person who does not bow to any authorities, who does not accept any principle on faith, no matter how respectable this principle is.
Thanks to Turgenev, the term quickly came into use among the Russian intelligentsia, and then spread throughout Europe, becoming a central concept in philosophical discussions.
Nihilism in philosophy: Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche made the greatest contribution to the philosophical understanding of nihilism. He believed that nihilism — is not just a movement, but an inevitable consequence of the decline of Christian morality. Nietzsche proclaimed that «God died», and this meant not only the decline of religious faith, but also the destruction of the entire value system, which for centuries was built on Christian ideals.
According to Nietzsche, when humanity loses faith in God and absolute values, it faces emptiness and meaninglessness —, which is nihilism.
However, Nietzsche did not simply state this fact. He believed that overcoming nihilism was possible. He urged people not to despair, but to «to reassess all values» and create their own moral principles. His philosophy about the superman (Übermensch) — is an attempt to find a way out of the nihilistic crisis, offering people to become creators of their own meaning in life.
Basic ideas and manifestations
In its basic forms, nihilism manifests itself as:
Moral nihilism
Epistemological nihilism
Existential nihilism
Moral nihilism <TAG1> is a position that states that there are no objective moral truths or values. This means that no action is «good» or «bad» in itself. Instead, moral rules — are simply social constructions or personal views.
Example: A moral nihilist believes that «killing — is evil» not because there is a universal law that prohibits it, but because society has agreed to consider it a crime. If another society approved of murder, it would be morally acceptable to them.
Epistemological nihilism denies the possibility of objective knowledge. This current claims that the truth is unattainable. Unlike skepticism, which only doubts the possibility of knowing the truth, epistemological nihilism categorically declares that the truth does not exist at all.
Example: For an epistemological nihilist, scientific theories, historical facts or philosophical ideas — are simply temporary, subjective interpretations, not objective truths about the world.
Existential nihilism <TAG1> is the most famous form of nihilism that denies the meaning of life. This position holds that the universe has no built-in purpose or meaning, and human life has no higher meaning beyond that which it will invent for itself.
Example: A person experiencing existential nihilism may ask: «Why should I live? What am I working for? What is the meaning of my suffering?». The answer will be: «There is no point in ». This condition often leads to a feeling of apathy, indifference and despair.
Influence: This form of nihilism is often reflected in art, where characters struggle with a sense of meaninglessness of existence.
The ideas of nihilism have penetrated deeply into modern culture. Denying the meaning of life, moral values and authorities has become a powerful source for creativity that explores the human condition in a world without absolute truths.
Cinematography and television
Cinema is perhaps the most striking example of the influence of nihilism. Many films and series reflect themes of meaninglessness and loss of reference.
«Fighting club» (Fight Club, 1999): This film is a true manifesto of nihilism. The protagonist, who suffers from the senselessness of consumer life, creates an alter ego that denies all social norms and values. The film shows how the desire for destruction can be a response to existential emptiness.
«Real detective» (True Detective, 2014): The first season of the series, especially through the character Rust Cole, speaks directly about nihilism. Rust claims that all life — is just «repeating the same», and that the only way to deal with this — is to accept the lack of meaning.
Antiheroes: Many modern antiheroes (such as the Joker) act on the nihilistic belief that society is a lie, and morality — is a fiction. Their actions are often aimed at exposing this «lie».
Literature
Nihilism began to influence literature since the time of Ivan Turgenev. This current has given rise to many works exploring the void and the absurd.
Albert Camus and existentialism:
Camus was not a nihilist, and his philosophy of the absurd was a response to the nihilist crisis. In the novels «Отронния» and «Myth of Sisyphae», he shows the absurdity of existence, but offers to find meaning in rebellion against it.
Charles Bukowski
Bukowski's works are imbued with nihilism. Its characters, alcoholics and losers, live in a world where there is no point, and the only way to survive — is to just continue to exist.
Music
Nihilistic ideas are often expressed in musical genres that deny societal norms.
Punk rock
The punk rock movement with its slogans «No Future» (no future) is a classic example of musical nihilism. He denied commercial music, social rules and any hope for a better future.
Metal and grunge
In genres such as doom metal or grunge, texts about hopelessness, frustration, and lack of meaning are often found, reflecting nihilistic sentiments.
Nihilism in — culture is a way of exploring the limits of human consciousness, morality and meaning in today's rapidly changing world.
Manifestations of nihilism in Ukrainian culture
In Ukrainian culture, nihilism was not an independent trend, but its motives were traced during social crises and disappointments.
Literature
In Ukrainian literature, nihilistic motifs can be traced in works that criticize old ideals and seek a new meaning.
Mykola Khvylovy
He cannot be called a nihilist in the full sense, but Khvylovy's works reflected disappointment in revolutionary ideals and the search for new ways. In his short stories, one can see the denial of old values and illusions, which led to a deep existential crisis.
«Shot revival»
This period of Ukrainian literature was full of tragic nihilism, when artists, having lost faith in socialist ideals, faced a cruel reality. Their work reflects frustration, hopelessness and a sense of total collapse.
Modern literature
After the collapse of the USSR, many authors, such as Yuriy Andruhovych and Serhiy Zhadan, explored the themes of loss of identity, disappointment in the ideas that prevailed before. Their works trace a rethinking of values and the search for a new basis for existence.
Cinematography
In Ukrainian cinema, nihilistic motives are often linked to the consequences of historical traumas leading to frustration.
Soviet films
In some films that came out «from under pol», you could see hidden criticism of Soviet idealism. Directors such as Serhii Paradzhanov used surrealism and allegories to show the absurdity and absurdity of the reality that surrounded them.
Modern cinema
After 1991, Ukrainian cinema began to openly explore nihilistic sentiments. Films about everyday life without pathos often show a sense of meaninglessness and loss of reference points. Kira Muratova's films, for example, focus on the absurdity of human existence.
Creativity and music
Andriy Kuzmenko (Skryabin)
Disappointment in society, a critical view of banality and absurdity can often be traced in his work. His songs, often sarcastic and pessimistic in nature, reflect the sense of apathy and hopelessness characteristic of a nihilistic worldview.
Underground performers
Many bands in the punk, metal or electronic music genres use lyrics that deny social norms, power and ideals, thus expressing their protest and frustration.
In general, Ukrainian nihilism — is rather not a philosophical movement, but a reaction to historical circumstances. It is a response to social traumas and loss of faith in ideals that previously seemed inviolable.
