Nietzsche - Experiments in Moral Thinking

UPDATED 20160211 11:43:13

The first 5 weeks of the course will be on Beyond Good and Evil, and the second 5 weeks on The Genealogy of Morals.Week One: Nietzsche's view in BGE of the totally human origin and significance of moral values. His contention that morality, as a human creation, has a basis in emotion. The point that this emotivist viewpoint challenges the entire rationalist tradition in moral thinking. Week Two: Nietzsche's argument that the emotions which lie at the basis of morality are those which he associates with what he calls 'the will to power'-the urge of all living things to express their energy. The link he makes between will to power and fitness for biological survival. The controversial character of this criterion for defining biological fitness. Week Three: The clash between Nietzsche's concept of evolutionary ethics and the Christian view of ethics. More points on the differences between Nietzsche's values and those of Christianity. Also, beyond the reference to Christianity, Nietzsche's opposition to communal-humanitarian values. Week Four: In contrast to Nietzsche's arguments against communal-humanitarian values, moral arguments made by him which can be considered worthy of attention. His objection to: social conditions are too comfortable; to extremes of egalitarianism, and to cults of ordinariness. Week Five: Again in positive comment, Nietzsche's view of a new kind of exceptional individuality which he sees emerging in European culture; the continuing relevance of this view. However, the negative comments that must be made on what Nietzsche calls 'master-morality,' which he regards as superior to 'slave-morality.' A brief critique of 'master-morality' is given. Week Six: Introduction to GM, emphasising that this book continues thetopic, begun in BGE, of the differences between 'master-morality' and 'slave-morality.' Nietzsche's arguments about the class-origins of the two moralities-the former coming, he alleges, from a blood aristocracy and the

Course information

Name: Nietzsche - Experiments in Moral Thinking Qualification title: Non regulated provision, Level 1, Philosophy Qualification type: Other regulated/accredited qualification Assessment Assessment information not yet available Awarding Generic award - no awarding body Created 20160211 11:43:13 Updated 20160211 11:43:13

Entry requirements

None

Provider

Richmond Adult Community College
Further Education
info@racc.ac.uk
020 8891 5907
http://www.racc.ac.uk

Address

Parkshot Town: Richmond County:Surrey