Part 2, Sections 4, 5 and 6 Summary and Analysis

"Metaphysical Rebellion" cont'd.

"Absolute Affirmation" and "The Unique"

In his introduction to this section, the author defines a central paradox at the core of the relationship between rebellion and justice. "If God is denied in the name of true justice," he asks, "how can an idea of justice be defined without an idea of God?" (see "Topics of Discussion - Debate this quote ...") He then examines the work of the German philosopher Stirner (see "Important People"), who proposes that there is nothing beyond individual existence - no eternity, no rules (since what individual existence wants and demands it has a pure and unquestionable right to obtain), and therefore no crime, especially no murder. The author points out that such a philosophy can only end up in the destruction of the human race, and suggests that here, where...