On the Genealogy of Morals

Nietzsche criticizes other philosophers and intellectuals for failing to examine the “historical sense” of ideas and beliefs. How does historical context and origin contribute to a person’s understanding of cultural and philosophical concepts? How does it detract from understanding?

Many scholars disagree about whether Nietzsche’s work should be examined through a biographical lens. How might a biographical understanding of Nietzsche alter the interpretation of his work? Is such understanding necessary or valuable when reading On the Genealogy of Morals? Why or why not?

What role does power play in morality? What potential factors besides power—e.g., desire for community, the valuing of interpersonal relationships, an appreciation of non-monetary things—does Nietzsche’s analysis fail to address? Are these other factors relevant, or are they a way of cloaking power by other means?

Nietzsche criticizes ascetic values as life-denying. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Nietzsche’s argument?

How does Nietzsche’s work compare to moral relativism? In what ways does he conform to, or diverge from, more general ideas about moral relativism?

Nietzsche’s writing fell out of favor when it was used by the Nazi party and Adolf Hitler to promote racist ideology. However, his work was later re-examined and regained its intellectual recognition. What elements of On the Genealogy of Morals could be used to justify racism, nationalism, and/or fascism? How might these elements be reinterpreted?

Nietzsche speaks directly about Immanuel Kant, Arthur Schopenhauer, and Wilhelm Richard Wagner. Describe Nietzsche’s relationship with these three men and their work. How are these men depicted in On the Genealogy of Morals? How do these depictions address or illustrate some of the text’s key themes and ideas?

Examine Nietzsche’s work through a feminist lens. How does Nietzsche describe the influence of morality and ascetic ideals on women? How does he view marriage and relationships in the context of their impact on artistic and philosophical work?