The problem of naturalism and causal explanation in the interpretations of Nietzsche’s philosophy

Abstract

In this paper we are going to discuss the two forms of naturalism that are attributed to Nietzsche, that are shown to be the most important in the recent interpretations of his philosophy: the methodological naturalism in Brian Leiter?s formulation and the naturalism in the broad sense in the interpretation of Christopher Janaway. This paper suggests an interpretation of Nietzsche?s genealogy that leans toward the naturalism in the broad sense, and attempts to show that the result of genealogical research should be the causal explanation which uses the everyday-concept of causality and the organicistic conception of part-whole relation. The suggested interpretation of Nietzsche?s genealogy will result with the explanation of his concept of life according to which that concept refers to any whole, natural or social, as a specific causal domain of will to power.