Abstract

This paper discusses various aspects of the thought of Nietzsche, Freud and Heidegger respectively in relation to the theme of 'anti-humanism'. It clarifies the sense the terms 'humanism' and anti-humanism have in recent philosophical debates within modern European thought and undertakes a critical evaluation of the extent to which the three thinkers under discussion can be considered to be 'anti-humanist'. The criteria of naturalism and the critique of theological and humanist values are proposed. On this basis it is argued that, of the three, only Nietzsche can be said to combine both naturalism and an overcoming of the normative presuppositions of humanism. The ways in which both Freud and Heidegger retain either an attachment to humanist values or an anti-naturalist ontology are outlined.