When the word 'myth' is used, it is generally associated with superstition and dismissed as irrelevant to the contemporary world. Such a view was also prevalent in the world of modernity(1650 - 1950), which considered itself progressive in relation to former traditional societies.

Nietzsche's place within the modern world and his relevance to the contemporary one can be seen in his discourse on myth. Against the spirit of modernity Nietzsche saw that the decline of myth was closely related to the decline of modern society. The rationalisation of society coupled with the loss of religion and its powers of social integration led to fragmentation at the social level and despair at the personal level.

On Nietzsche's account, the solution to the problems raised by modern society lay in the revival of myth. This paper seeks to examine  how Nietzsche uses the concept of myth. It discusses the relation between myth and other philosophical themes relevant to the Nietzschean discourse. It also involves an elucidation of Nietzscheís critique of culture, his theory of language, the doctrine of the will to power, and his attempt at myth making.

Dr Claude Mangion is a full time member of the Philosophy Department. He holds a Masters degree from Sussex University and a doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Malta.

The lecture will be held on Thursday 13th January 2000 at 7:00p.m at the Francis Ebejer Lecture Theatre, Lecture Centre, University Campus. Professor Kenneth Wain will open the discussion. Pizza and wine will later be served at the farmhouse.