Abstract:
Throughout Nietzsche's writings we find discussions of the proper relationship of the scholar/scientist to
the philosopher, wi th the scholar of ten being presented in a derogatory light. In this thesis, I examine
Nietzsche's por t rai t of the scholar through the lens of his physiological or clinical perspective as
articulated by Dr. Daniel R. Ahern in his monograph entitled Nietzsche as Cultural Physician. My aim in
doing so is to grasp the affirmative, creative aspect of this seemingly destructive polemic against
scholars. I begin wi th a detailed discussion of Nietzsche's por t rai t of the scholar in Beyond Good and Evil.
This includes an explication of Ahern's position, followed by an application of the diagnostic perspective
to Nietzsche's discussion of the objective type, the skeptic, and the critic. I then look at how the
characteristics of all three types are present in the Nietzschean 'free spirit.' I also discuss the
physiological basis of esotericism in Nietzsche's work, as well as Nietzsche's revaluation of the scholarly
vi r tue known as Red/ichkeit (or 'honesty'). I conclude wi th comments on the free spirit's relationship to
the future.
