Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a case study in the problems involved in the application of philosophy to politics. The example used is that of the European New Right's attempt to use the thought of Martin Heidegger in its attempt to construct a philosophy of social inequality. In order to focus on the ideas of the New Right, rather than its political practice, attention is paid to the distinction within the movement between those individuals who are absorbed in political practice, and those who devote themselves to cultural work. The terms used to make this distinction are "Culturals" and "Politicals." ;The emphasis in this study is on the activities of the "Culturals." Specific individuals and organizations who participate in cultural work are identified, and the reasons for their particular commitments are given. An effort is made to understand how the New Right conceives of culture, and the nature of its philosophical and political implications. In order to explain why the New Right has shown an affinity for the work of Martin Heidegger, attention is paid to the thought of Friederich Nietzsche. ;One of the questions raised in this dissertation is why the New Right places more emphasis on the work of Heidegger than on that of Nietzsche. Criticisms of Nietzsche made by the New Right are looked at. In addition, the work of Nietzsche itself is analyzed. ;In order to explore the reasons for the New Right's interest in Heidegger, a review is made of Heidegger's critique of Nietzsche. A significant part of Heidegger's energy as a philosopher has been spent analyzing the thought of Nietzsche. Use is made of those writings and lectures by Heidegger that attempt to sort through the various themes of Nietzsche's work. ;Heidegger emerges from his study of Nietzsche with specific views on the nature of modern society and on the role of technology. An exploration is made of Heidegger's understanding of the nature of technology, its consequences, and its political implications. His views are considered, and the New Right's effort to use his work is criticized as an example of the difficulties involved in using philosophy to justify specific political positions