Friedrich Nietzsche’s ideal of the “free spirit” offers a distinct vision of what freedom could be. What does it offer a liberal society?

Readers not up on their Nietzsche don’t need to worry; lead essayist Prof. Steven Pittz of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs offers both a helpful guide to one of the philosopher’s most evocative ideas—and an argument about how the free-spirited individual stands to benefit the society around him. Replying to his essay will be Prof. David Owen of the University of Southampton and Prof. Matthew Meyer of the University of Scranton, each of whom will have a somewhat different approach to the question. We will then feature an open discussion among the participants.