Homer and Classical Philology

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche's "Homer and Classical Philology" presents a provocative examination of how classical studies were conducted in the nineteenth century. Delivered as an inaugural address at Bâle University in 1869, this philosophical essay challenges the very foundations of philological inquiry and its relationship to understanding ancient civilization. Nietzsche argues that classical philology lacks coherent unity, functioning instead as an eclectic mixture of history, natural science, and aesthetics. Rather than condemning this fragmentation, he explores how philology must navigate competing impulses: the historian's drive to understand cultural manifestations, the scientist's quest to uncover the deepest instincts of human speech, and the aesthete's mission to excavate classical ideals as timeless standards for contemporary society. At its core, the work interrogates what it truly means to study Homer and antiquity—and what we reveal about ourselves through these scholarly pursuits. This landmark lecture bridges philosophy and classics, offering profound insights into methodology, interpretation, and the purpose of humanistic inquiry. Nietzsche's incisive critique remains remarkably relevant for anyone interested in how we construct knowledge from ancient texts and civilizations. Ideal for students of philosophy, classical studies, and intellectual history, as well as listeners seeking to understand Nietzsche's early thought and his lifelong fascination with Greek culture.