Nietzsche's Definition Of Punishment
A definition is how something is expressed in language (Ayers, 1946). To suggest that a term rich in history is definable means overlooking the changing reality of which language is subjected to. In other words as the world changes politically, economically and socially, the way in which a term is used and understood will change. Unless that term is ‘new’ then it cannot attain a universal definition, thus the more diverse the history the more difficult to define.
As Nietzsche states “only that without a history can be defined (Nietzsche cited in Ansell-Pearson, 2006 :53).” Nietzsche was speaking of defining ‘punishment’ but the idea can be used to explain why there remains no universal definition of realism (Donnelly, 2001). The term punishment has become so entrenched in its history that it lacks definable fundamental values. Instead the meaning of punishment has become a broad understanding of its use and application throughout history. The same is true of realist theory as it cannot be covered by one meaning rather it “manifests a synthesis of meanings (Nietzsche cited in Ansell-Pearson, 2006:19)” and has therefore become indefinable. …show more content…
Although many have tried to define realism (Donnelly; Carr 1946 and Schweller 1997), attempts were unsuccessful and no universal definition has been agreed (Bell, 2009).
Despite the lack of definition, realism has been successful and has become a dominate theory in international relations (Rosenberg, 1994). Therefore defining it remains an active argument, meaning realist scholars continue to debate the fundamental assumptions of realist
thinking.
As Nietzsche states “only that without a history can be defined (Nietzsche cited in Ansell-Pearson, 2006 :53).” Nietzsche was speaking of defining ‘punishment’ but the idea can be used to explain why there remains no universal definition of realism (Donnelly, 2001). The term punishment has become so entrenched in its history that it lacks definable fundamental values. Instead the meaning of punishment has become a broad understanding of its use and application throughout history. The same is true of realist theory as it cannot be covered by one meaning rather it “manifests a synthesis of meanings (Nietzsche cited in Ansell-Pearson, 2006:19)” and has therefore become indefinable. …show more content…
Although many have tried to define realism (Donnelly; Carr 1946 and Schweller 1997), attempts were unsuccessful and no universal definition has been agreed (Bell, 2009).
Despite the lack of definition, realism has been successful and has become a dominate theory in international relations (Rosenberg, 1994). Therefore defining it remains an active argument, meaning realist scholars continue to debate the fundamental assumptions of realist
thinking.