Nietzsche's idea of eternal recurrence

The aim of this study is to try to clarify what the idea of eternal recurrence, which Friedrich Nietzsche does not fully explain but mentions as his deepest thought, means. Therefore, possible connections and interpretations between Nietzsche's important ideas and concepts, and this thought are discussed. On the other hand, the ideas that Nietzsche might have been influenced by are also examined. In order to ease the understanding of the interpretations made about the eternal recurrence, this thought has been evaluated under the subtitles such as cosmological, existential, ethic and metaphysics; and important interpretations have been compared. It has been understood that cosmological interpretations are inadequate since they contradict with Nietzsche's doctrine of will to power and the idea of becoming. Ethical interpretations, on the other hand, are unfavourable as they might dangerously imply to understand Nietzsche as an ethic philosopher. Metaphysical interpretation can lead to many misunderstandings since it carries a dangerous potential that might cause to make a distinction between the visible world and the real world. However, it can still be seminal in relation with Nietzsche's rejection of Western metaphysics. The interpretations that draw attention to the mystical side of the eternal recurrence are compatible with the experience of Sils Maria, the nature of thought, and pattern in the work of Zarahustra, however, there is a danger of turning into a new idol when it is exaggerated. Existential interpretations of the eternal recurrence and its evaluation as a thought experiment to test the value of life are in line with Nietzsche himself and his other thoughts, because overcoming one's self is shaped by things like taking responsibility, and these thoughts can be existentially functional.