Towards a Nihilistic Framework in Monetary Theory: By Hannes Ingo Torbohm (Ba Philosophy) Supervisor: Dr Andrea Rehberg (Philosophy Department)

The Problem: Georg Simmel and Money: Nietzsche’s Nihilism: The framework :

 Since the 2008 crash there has been an  Friedrich Nietzsche presents a theory of Modern money has been devalued outpouring of critique of monetary Nihilism that stratifies the history of through its own development. In recent theory. value systems. years theories of its value have been lost, and it risks losing the use value it has if  Also there has been an evolution of new  Nihilism is when a value devalues itself. we cannot support it theoretically. currencies which follow in the footsteps  When a value proves incapable of of monetary development. Furthermore, the real human elements of dominating entities it goes through the modern life are devalued, which Simmel  We have lost sight of what money is, process of nihilism (both as a reaction argued would happen through the and we need a new theory to develop to devaluation, and radical devaluation  Georg Simmel, a founding father of development of his instrument view of money. Money already has a reality—the itself). money. problem is conceiving of it. sociology presents us a theory of money as an instrument of human use. Thus our new framework needs to Principal Texts:  Simmel’s agent is driven by desire, respect the nature of Money as a tool— Aim: which in turn develops a rationality.  The Will to Power, F. Nietzsche (Trans: and as a value system. Money is stratified  To create a theoretical framework that W.Kaufmann). by the power required for it to be a  Money is a tool, and also a social suitable mechanism of human use. This is future study can utilise to discuss future  On the Genealogy of Morals & Ecce form—which means it is an invention of especially true in the case of neo- problems of money. Homo, F. Nietzsche (Trans: the human. However, it develops its own currencies which aim to be a more  To explore a possible space for a R.J.Holingdale). reality, and can change as the use of the efficient money for the modern age. conception of money, that can develop tool changes.  Nietzsche and Philosophy, G.Deleuze from prior theories: to give a firm footing N. Dodd points us to the need for (Trans: H.Tomlinson) for theories on how money is responding modern politics and society to understand both to the application level and the Principal Texts:  The New Nietzsche, (Eds. D.Allison). the forces present in money, this project historical development of the entity.  The Philosophy of Money, G. Simmel has given a clear way into exploring these (Trans: D. Frisby) forces. By seeing money as a value  Schopenhauer and Nietzsche G.Simmel system and a tool of the human will we (Trans: D. Weinstein) are able to conceive of it on a micro level in everyday use, whilst also understanding  Post-Modern(ized) Simmel, D. the historical forces acting on the element. Weinstein, et al.

 The Sociology of Money, N. Dodd. Contact: On Individuality and Social Forms  , D. [email protected] Levine