Ressentiment In Nietzsche’s Philosophy: Socio-Philosophical Inquiries and Extremist Interpretations

Aim. To reveal the contemporary social philosophical significance of Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of ressentiment and to identify the causes and consequences of its reductionist reading.

Methodology. Hermeneutic analysis of Nietzsche’s key texts, complemented by an interdisciplinary approach integrating philosophical, social, and psychological discourses, as well as a critical analysis of the concept of ressentiment, was complemented.

Results. It is established that the vulgarization of Nietzsche’s core philosophical concepts, stemming from the disregard of their existential creative and spiritual content, distorts his philosophy and creates grounds for its exploitation in militarist and extremist agendas. An original interpretation of ressentiment is proposed through the concept of the “will to freedom,” emphasizing the dialogical nature of human existence and ethical responsibility.

Research implications. The proposed interpretation of ressentiment enables the overcoming of the binary social ontological opposition “strength – weakness” through the integration of ideas from modern social philosophy and psychology. The study expands the potential applications of Nietzschean through contemporary anthropological and ethical research. The practical value lies in countering manipulative and extremist interpretations of Nietzsche’s philosophical concepts.

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