_Philosophical Myths of the Fall_ (2005, Princeton) by philosopher Stephen Mulhall is a fascinating series of reflections on the thinking of three important philosophers - Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Wittgenstein - as their thinking relates to a particularly Christian understanding of human nature as fallen. The book considers the biblical tale of the Fall in which the sin of Adam and Eve brought upon them the wrath of God and they were cast out from the garden of Eden. Relating this to the post-Enlightenment world, the author examines the thought of Alasdair McIntyre showing how teleology was rejected by Enlightenment thinkers and examining the problem of then trying to find an alternative justification for moral principles. The author then considers how various philosophies including post-Kantian German philosophy and post-Kantian Anglo-American philosophy relate to the Christian notion of original sin. Following this the author provides a series of relections on the thinking of the three philosophers mentioned above - Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Wittgenstein.



The Madman and the Masters: Nietzsche - the author examines the thinking of Nietzsche and in particular his infamous pronouncement that "God is dead". The author considers Nietzsche's comments on the "marketplace atheists" and the theists, showing Nietzsche's criticisms of both. The author considers the "genealogy of humanity" maintaining that Nietzsche's thought paradoxically embodies another conception of the Fall thus reflecting the influence of Christianity and that Nietzsche comes to be transposed into the Christian tale of Christ.



The Dying Man and the Dazed Animal: Heidegger - considers the role of the thinking of Martin Heidegger as it relates to a re-thinking of the human mode of being ("Dasein"). Notes Heideggers thinking on authenticity as it relates to "the Fall" in which man is "thrown" into the world. Considers Heidegger's thinking on mortality and his reflections on authentic being-towards-death, relating this to the thought of Kierkegaard. Finally, considers the role of humanity as animality in its relationship to the thinking of Heidegger.



The Child and the Scapegoat: Wittgenstein - considers the thought of Wittgenstein particularly as it relates to Augustine. Notes Wittgenstein's thought on language and Augustine's conception of the child versus the adult world. Considers the thinking of Wittgenstein as it relates to the Fall and the Christian influence behind this notion.



This book provides a discerning account of how the influence of the Christian understanding of the Fall continues to play a role in "philosophical myths". The author considers three important post-Enlightenment thinkers and shows the influence that the Christian understanding had on each. The author concludes that the notion that humanity is in need of redemption from a state of "wretchedness" and "perversity" continues to play a role in these important thinkers. The author maintains that this opens up the possibility of taking religious points of view seriously by maintaining that a "wholly secular point of view is not necessary".

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