Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche (Book Review Sample)

Genealogy of Morals :Friedrich Nietzsche Institution:Discipline: Name:Date:
1.0 Introduction
Friedrich Nietzsche a German philosopher critics the morality propagated by Christianity and that of Judaism in his book Genealogy of Morals. The book is comprised of three essays that are related and tries to address the issue. His book has been used as a point of reference by other authors and later philosophers. The book gives his views on the genesis of the society’s moral prejudices. Nietzsche believes that critiquing the moral values is part of analyzing the essence of these very values(Nietzsche F., 2012). Guided by this, Nietzsche in his volition finds it important to give the facts about the history of morality. The three essays that Nietzsche uses to support his theory are the "Good and bad coupled with the Good and Evil”, the "Guilt, that is the Bad Conscience, and other Related Matters" then lastly he analyzes the what ascetic ideals means?
2.0 Good and bad coupled with the Good and Evil
In this theory, Nietzsche compares himself with prior English philosophers. He argues that these philosophers are misguided in that the practice of concern for others were primarily propagated and praised by the beneficiaries. He claims that these acts are as a result of other actions and are therefore predetermined and, therefore, lacks history. The author argues that these predetermined values originate from the natural aristocracy. (Nietzsche F., 2012)Nietzsche argues that the terms were first used by the philosophers to describe themselves. He says that the philosophers had retrospective terms for those they considered lowly such as the slave. However, the slave classes undermined the meaning of good and evil as propagated by these philosophers, many centuries later. Nietzsche says that the state of affairs achieved during his time. However, Nietzsche investigation does not show proof of any relationship with history. (Nietzsche F., 2012) Nietzsche’s arguments that the aristocracy were value-creators cannot be substantiated as there is little information for reference. This, therefore, makes the reader only to rely on the authority of Nietzsche (the author of the book), where he says only Basel-based Philology chair would know about the origins of the value-judgement in Greece.
His arguments may be right even though they lack evidence. Morality is dictated by the rise in religious, and, therefore, the order of succession in aristocratic values is prejudiced(Nietzsche F., 2012). Through this Nietzsche argument that change in morality from its original system is corruption is true. Nietzsche is more convincing as he avoids using past important events or figures against his utterances. He is comfortable when dealing with the motivations behind the ascetic priest. His arguments, however, challenge us to think about the origins of values.
3.0 Guilt, which is the Bad Conscience, and other Related Matters
In this theory, Nietzsche dwells on his strength of Psychological interpretation. To convince the reader, Nietzsche should divert the reader’s conscience and the values of an ascetic priest. Given that conscience supports the existence of morality and God, Nietzsche should explain the origin of conscience. According to him, conscience is bad conscience given that the ancient man had no moral views at least until they were converted into wicked priest practices. Initially, promises were made between two equals that are what differentiates the man and other beasts(Nietzsche, Clark, & Swensen, 1998). It is also through promises that the man was assured of his future. Morality, therefore, entailed keeping this promises that were not an obligation to those not owed any promise. The whole conscience theory disqualifies Nietzsche from giving the origins of memory it is a prerequisite of memory.
Nietzsche also argues that art of criticizing other’s action was brought up by owing whose origins were the buyer/seller relationship. Punishment, on the other hand, came as a result of failing to observe contracts. Creditors had powers over debtors, and could freely exact violence against them. This is where guilt and the conscience rose from, the creditor and debtor relationship. It is from these relationships that social relations came about. Nietzsche does not, however, consider marriage as such. It is also here that justice comes about as a means of punishing the debtors. From this Nietzsche says that kindness and a sense of humanity are born. There is more of a mutual relation rather than the earlier individuality. This is the genesis of new behavior. However, Nietzsche does not explain how this are the origins of kindness or goodwill that would undermine the nature of man’s goodness. He argues that the State came about the same way the early creditor did. From this, we gather that court exists to bring about sobriety across the board. Nietzsche puts the State as a superior creditor, which brings about the issue of justice.(Nietzsche, Clark, & Swensen, 1998) Nietzsche sees ideal justice as a war against the man from man. He finds that consulting with intellectual standards will deviate from the true self of man. From this, it is easy to learn that the author relies more on Darwin’s early man findings even though Nietzsche denies this fact. He argues that man is naturally proactive and spontaneous and that they will be a redeemer who will dissolve any hopes of man’s transcendence.
4.0 Analysis of what ascetic ideals really means?
Here Nietzsche evaluates the ascetic pr...