Philosophical Interpretations of Art: Nietzsche, Foucault, and Derrida on Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain

Philosophical Points of View of Nietzsche, Foucault’s, and Derrida

Nietzsche

Nietzsche is a German philosopher whose ideas mostly revolve around the concept of “will to power” and the criticism of traditional morality. He claims that conventional ethics are founded on a slave mindset that limits individuals (Dunkle 189). The “revaluation of all values” and the formation of a new, individualized morality are two causes that Nietzsche champions.

Foucault

Foucault’s writings explore issues of authority, information, and social regulation. He examines how knowledge is utilized as a form of control and how power is exercised inside various organizations (Khan and MacEachen). The philosopher discusses the notion of disciplinary authority and surveillance and highlights the importance of language in producing social reality.

Derrida

Derrida is widely recognized as the originator of deconstruction, a method of literary analysis that challenges conventional classifications and oppositions. In doing so, he casts doubt on the existence of absolute truth while simultaneously emphasizing the multiplicity of viable readings (Bangayan-Manera 192). Derrida also investigates the relationship between language, writing, and bodily presence.

The status quo is challenged by scholars such as Nietzsche, Foucault, and Derrida, but each in their unique way. Foucault is interested in institutionalized forms of power, whereas Nietzsche stresses self-determination and moral critique. In turn, Derrida seeks to deconstruct language and challenge dogmatic beliefs.

An Artwork That Could Be a Meeting Place for the Three Philosophers

It is feasible for different thinkers to arrive at various interpretations of the same work of art. But there is one that may suit all three thinkers: Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain.” This piece raises eyebrows because it challenges the authority of the art world. It is possible that Nietzsche would like the work because it challenges normative values. Foucault might be used to probe the complexities of the power structures and definitions of art inside the art world. In an effort to better understand the relationship between art and language, Derrida would likely attempt to dissect the object’s meaning.

Works Cited

Bangayan-Manera, Alma. “Doodle: Towards a Hermeneutical Appreciation in Jacques Derrida’s Deconstruction.” Asian EFL Journal Research Articles, vol. 24, no. 4.2, 2019, pp. 191–204.

Cobos, Casie, et al. “Interfacing Cultural Rhetorics: A History and a Call.” Rhetoric Review, vol. 37, no. 2., 2018, pp. 139–154. Web.

Dunkle, Ian. “On the Normativity of Nietzsche’s Will to Power.” The Journal of Nietzsche Studies, vol. 51, no. 2, 2020, pp. 188–211. Web.

Johnston, Jennifer, et al. “Into the Uncanny Valley: Simulation Versus Simulacrum?Medical Education, vol. 54, no. 10, 2020, pp. 903–907. Web.

Khan, Tauhid, and Ellen MacEachen. “Foucauldian Discourse Analysis: Moving Beyond a Social Constructionist Analytic.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods, vol. 20, 2021. Web.

Sotiropoulos, George. “Between Order and Insurgency: Post-Structuralism and the Problem of Justice.” Philosophy & Social Criticism, vol. 47, no. 7, 2021, pp. 850–872. Web.

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StudyCorgi. (2025) 'Philosophical Interpretations of Art: Nietzsche, Foucault, and Derrida on Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain'. 5 March.

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StudyCorgi. "Philosophical Interpretations of Art: Nietzsche, Foucault, and Derrida on Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain." March 5, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/philosophical-interpretations-of-art-nietzsche-foucault-and-derrida-on-marcel-duchamps-fountain/.

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StudyCorgi. 2025. "Philosophical Interpretations of Art: Nietzsche, Foucault, and Derrida on Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain." March 5, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/philosophical-interpretations-of-art-nietzsche-foucault-and-derrida-on-marcel-duchamps-fountain/.

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