What 19th-century philosophical term of Russian origin did Friedrich Nietzsche use to describe the disintegration of traditional morality in Western society?

Correct option is C

Explanation:

Friedrich Nietzsche extensively critiqued traditional morality and values, and he used the term nihilism to describe the disintegration of these moral foundations in Western society.

• Nihilism, derived from the Latin "nihil" (nothing), gained prominence in 19th-century Russia, where it was associated with revolutionary movements rejecting authority, religion, and traditional values.
• Nietzsche expanded its meaning to critique the loss of meaning and purpose in a society that no longer grounded itself in absolute truths, such as religion or metaphysics.
• He argued that the "death of God" leads to a cultural crisis, where traditional values collapse, leaving individuals and societies in a moral void.

Information Booster:

1. Nietzsche viewed nihilism as both a danger and an opportunity for revaluation of values, urging humanity to create its own meaning.
2. His works such as The Will to Power and Thus Spoke Zarathustra elaborate on nihilism and its implications.
3. Nihilism is central to existentialist and postmodern thought, influencing thinkers like Heidegger, Sartre, and Camus.

Additional Knowledge:

1. Absolutism: Refers to a political system where power is centralized in a single authority.
2. Cynicism: While it challenges societal norms, it does not fully capture Nietzsche’s philosophical exploration of moral collapse.
3. Anarchism: Focuses on rejecting state authority.