The philosophical metaphysics of Nazi fascism

 The philosophical metaphysics of Nazi fascism, according to Ayn Rand's philosophy, is rooted in the rejection of reason and reality. It is based on the primacy of consciousness, where reality is subordinated to the whims, emotions, or decrees of the collective or the state. Nazi fascism embraces a form of metaphysical collectivism, denying the individual’s independent existence and subordinating the individual to the collective will. This ideology rejects the objective nature of reality and instead imposes a distorted, mystical worldview that elevates the state or race as the ultimate metaphysical and moral authority.

Nazi fascism also embodies a form of determinism, where individuals are seen as products of their race, heritage, or environment, rather than as beings with free will and the capacity for rational thought. This deterministic outlook is fundamentally opposed to Ayn Rand's philosophy, which upholds the primacy of reason, individualism, and the freedom of the human mind to choose and think independently [2][6].

In essence, the metaphysics of Nazi fascism is a denial of the axioms of existence, identity, and consciousness as understood through reason. It replaces objective reality with a subjective, collectivist fantasy that justifies the use of force and the destruction of individual rights in the name of the collective good [4][5].

Sources

1 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand

2 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff

3 Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand

4 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand

5 the Anti-industrial Revolution by Ayn Rand

6 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger

In addition:

Nazi fascism, as understood through Ayn Rand's philosophy, represents a complete rejection of rational metaphysics and the principles of objective reality. Its metaphysical foundation is based on the primacy of consciousness, specifically the collective consciousness, where reality is dictated not by facts or reason but by the will of the state or the collective. This is a direct inversion of the primacy of existence, which holds that reality exists independently of any consciousness and must be understood through reason.

The Nazis embraced a mystical and irrational worldview, rooted in racial determinism and collectivist ideology. They viewed individuals not as autonomous beings with free will, but as mere components of a racial or national collective, whose value was determined by their contribution to the goals of the state. This deterministic and collectivist metaphysics denies the individual's identity and free will, reducing human beings to tools for the collective's use [2][6].

Furthermore, Nazi fascism's metaphysics is deeply anti-reason. It rejects the use of logic and evidence in favor of emotionalism, mysticism, and propaganda. The Nazis relied on myths, such as the superiority of the Aryan race, to justify their actions and policies. These myths were not grounded in reality but were instead arbitrary constructs designed to manipulate and control the population. This rejection of reason and reality is a hallmark of irrationality and evasion, which Ayn Rand identified as the essence of evil [4][5].

The metaphysics of Nazi fascism also elevates the state as the ultimate authority, treating it as a metaphysical absolute. The state is seen as an entity that transcends individual lives and rights, demanding total obedience and sacrifice. This is a direct attack on the principle of individualism, which holds that each person is an end in themselves, with their own life and happiness as their highest moral purpose. Nazi fascism's metaphysics, therefore, embodies the ultimate form of collectivism and statism, where the individual is entirely subjugated to the collective [2][6].

In conclusion, the metaphysics of Nazi fascism is a complete repudiation of reason, reality, and individualism. It replaces objective reality with a subjective, mystical, and collectivist fantasy that justifies the use of force, oppression, and the destruction of individual rights in the name of the collective good. This stands in stark contrast to Ayn Rand's philosophy, which upholds the primacy of existence, reason, and the moral sovereignty of the individual [4][5][6].

Sources

1 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand

2 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff

3 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand

4 Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand

5 the Anti-industrial Revolution by Ayn Rand

6 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger

In addition:

The metaphysics of Nazi fascism is a complex and dark topic, rooted in a blend of ideology, philosophy, and mythologized worldview that the Nazi regime used to justify its actions and unify its followers. While Nazi ideology was primarily political and pragmatic, it drew heavily on metaphysical ideas—often distorted or invented—to create a sense of cosmic purpose and destiny. Let’s break it down:

1. The Myth of Aryan Supremacy

At the core of Nazi metaphysics was the belief in the Aryans as a "master race," a quasi-spiritual concept rather than a purely scientific one. This idea was influenced by 19th-century thinkers like Arthur de Gobineau, who wrote about racial hierarchies, and Houston Stewart Chamberlain, who fused racial theory with mystical notions of cultural destiny. The Nazis elevated this into a metaphysical claim: Aryans were not just biologically superior but metaphysically chosen, a primordial race with a divine mission to dominate and purify the world. This gave their racism a transcendent veneer, as if it were written into the fabric of reality.

2. Blood and Soil (Blut und Boden)

The Nazi concept of "Blut und Boden" tied identity to both biology ("blood") and geography ("soil"). This wasn’t just nationalism—it had a metaphysical edge, suggesting an eternal, almost mystical bond between the German people and their land. Philosophers like Martin Heidegger, while not a Nazi himself, provided intellectual fuel with ideas about "Being" and rootedness that resonated with this worldview. The Nazis saw this connection as a cosmic truth, positioning Jews and other "rootless" groups as existential threats to this sacred order.

3. The Führer Principle and the Will

Nazi metaphysics leaned heavily on the idea of the Führer (Adolf Hitler) as an almost superhuman figure, embodying the collective will of the Volk (the German people). This drew from Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch (overman), though distorted beyond recognition—Nietzsche himself despised anti-Semitism and nationalism. Carl Schmitt’s political theology, which framed sovereignty as a decisive, almost divine act, also echoed here. Hitler was portrayed as a metaphysical conduit, channeling the "will to power" of the Aryan race to reshape reality itself.

4. Apocalyptic Dualism

The Nazis embraced a dualistic worldview: a struggle between light (Aryans) and darkness (Jews, Bolsheviks, etc.), framed as an eternal battle with cosmic stakes. This borrowed from Gnostic and Manichaean traditions, where the universe is split between opposing forces. The "Thousand-Year Reich" wasn’t just a political goal but a metaphysical promise—a new age of purity and order after the defeat of chaos. The Holocaust, in this twisted logic, became a ritual cleansing, a metaphysical act to restore balance.

5. Occult and Pagan Influences

While not uniformly embraced, some Nazi leaders—like Heinrich Himmler—delved into occultism and neo-paganism, seeking a metaphysical foundation beyond Christianity, which they saw as "weak" or "Jewish." The SS explored symbols like the swastika (appropriated from ancient Indo-European traditions) and runes, treating them as keys to a hidden cosmic truth. Organizations like the Ahnenerbe researched ancient myths to "prove" Aryan origins, blending pseudoscience with metaphysical fantasy.

6. Rejection of Rationalism

Nazi fascism rejected Enlightenment universalism and rationalism, favoring a metaphysics of instinct, intuition, and destiny. Thinkers like Alfred Rosenberg, in his book The Myth of the Twentieth Century, argued that history wasn’t driven by reason but by the spiritual essence of races. This anti-intellectual streak made their metaphysics fluid and propagandistic—less about coherent philosophy and more about evoking awe and submission.

In Summary

The metaphysics of Nazi fascism wasn’t a systematic philosophy but a patchwork of myths, racial mysticism, and authoritarian impulses dressed up as eternal truths. It aimed to transcend the mundane, giving followers a sense of participating in a grand, cosmic drama. Its power lay in its emotional resonance, not its logic—replacing reason with a seductive, violent vision of destiny.