/r/Axiology
A community designed for discussion of axiology.The philosophical study of values.
Definitions:
Axiology: The Study of Value.
Ethics: The branch of Axiology concerned with what is right.
Aesthetics: The branch of Axiology concerned with what is beautiful.
The Wikipedia Article for Axiology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axiology
/r/Axiology
I am stuck between the opposing views of two prominent philosophers of all time, Jiddu Krishnamurti and Nietzsche. The issue is about the Axiology of power.
Power is not necessarily always a zero sum game. When one gains power, gains responsibility. By seeking power, one nation can protest against any invasion, not only for self-defence, but to save neighbouring countries too.
For Nietzsche, power is at the top of all values. "What is good? - All that heightens the feeling of power, the will to power, power itself in man. What is bad? - All that proceeds from weakness. What is happiness? - The feeling that power increases — that a resistance is overcome."
You are actually seeking more power, when you try to improve your painting skills or hit more sixes. Weakness leads to corruption, while power makes you overcome your vices and make better choices. No progress in accumulation of power makes life dull and stagnant. The last man (the very weak man) becomes an object, a slave to vices and a victim of life.
On the other hand, for Krishnamurti, power is inherently evil. Power opposes love. The greatest love is justice and the greatest justice is freedom, the highest value in life. Power, in any form, restricts the freedom of others. Even churches are evil in this way.
There is also a confusion here regarding what they mean by power, and what their intent is. What do you think of this debate and what are your own views regarding power?