Summary Sheet

Summary Sheet Candidate: Vinod Lakshmipathy Department: Philosophy Year at time of fellowship (if granted): 6th Previous Graduate Degrees: M.A.

Department of Philosophy, Rice University, September 2008

M.A.

Department of Philosophy, Northern Illinois University, May 2004

Research Summary: The main objective of Vinod’s research project is to provide a novel interpretation of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s existential methodology. He divides the various published commentaries of Nietzsche’s work into three main groups: naturalistic, metaphysical, and poststructural. He then places his own reading in the context of these commentaries, by indicating the various common points he shares with them, and the numerous points at which he diverges from them. What I think will emerge from this reading is an understanding of Nietzsche’s philosophy, which is significantly different from previous existential commentaries. Vinod’s major point of departure involves showing that a thorough investigation into the meaning of Nietzsche’s criticism of metaphysical thought is the most fruitful way of engaging with his complex ideas. Specifically, he will argue that there is an irreducible ambiguity at the core of Nietzsche’s relationship to metaphysics, an ambiguity which Vinod maintains can be understood only if one views Nietzsche as essentially an existential thinker. He will then undertake an analysis of Nietzsche’s existential methodology, drawing out vital elements from Nietzsche’s text in order to reveal how they support his reading. Vinod’s project promises to deliver a picture of Nietzsche which differs significantly from that of other popular existential writers like Kierkegaard and Sartre. Once materialized, I am confident that Vinod’s work will contribute considerably to Nietzsche studies.