A. “Reason” in PhilosophyThe section of Twilight of the Idols entitled “’Reason in Philosophy’” contains an attack on the rationalism that characterizes most Western philosophy. This rationalism traffics in lifeless concepts and forever seeks the “being” that excludes becoming. Unable to find “being,” it blames the senses for presenting a world of mere “appearances.” It also attempts to begin its investigations with the most abstract concepts, which are considered “higher” and are more highly valued. This tendency shows up in the philosophy of the Greeks, the Indians, and the Christians. Nietzsche criticizes these rationalist methods and advocates the primacy of appearances over “being.”
