Nihilism and Insanity: From Nietzsche to Foucault

This article explores the relationship between nihilism and insanity, examining the philosophical trajectories of Friedrich Nietzsche and Michel Foucault. The connection between these two thinkers is traced through their respective works on madness, with particular focus on Foucault's The History of Madness and Nietzsche's concept of nihilism. The article discusses how madness is both a reflection and an expression of nihilism, with the implications for human identity and society. It investigates Foucault’s critique of modernity and the role of madness in revealing the human condition, as well as Nietzsche's view of the inevitability of nihilism in the wake of the "death of God." By connecting these philosophical themes, the article sheds light on the complex interplay between personal identity, societal norms, and the philosophical concept of madness. The article concludes by emphasizing the enduring relevance of Nietzsche and Foucault in understanding the psychological and social dimensions of human existence.