On the Genealogy of Morals

Aristocratic morality (also referred to as “master morality”) is the self-serving moral code that Nietzsche attributes to the privileged and powerful, who deliberately formulate a conception of morality that reinforces their wealth and power. Aristocratic morality celebrates strength, domination, and power, and equates such qualities with “nobility”: i.e., both what is “noble” in terms of class as well as in moral terms.

The term ascetic ideals, as used in Nietzsche’s text, refers to the set of values that belong to an ascetic lifestyle—that is, a life of self-discipline and self-denial. Nietzsche asserts that ascetic ideals were an outcome of “slave morality.” Oppressed people developed ascetic ideals as the antithesis to aristocratic morality. Self-discipline was viewed as good and righteous when compared to the wealth and extravagance of the nobility.

Nietzsche refers to bad conscience as a form of guilt or self-oppression. He argues that societal structures of morality have caused individuals to turn against themselves, looking at themselves through a lens of guilt and obligation.

Nietzsche defines a conscience as that which enables people to be responsible for themselves and feel assured about the value of their actions. Nietzsche explains that sovereign individuals have a conscience; they can determine right action according to their own values without inflicting pain on themselves or utilizing extreme self-discipline.

As it is used in Nietzsche’s text, genealogy is interchangeable with “history.” In On the Genealogy of Morals, Nietzsche uses historical and genealogical terminology interchangeably. Nietzsche distinguishes his historical approach as one that considers various phenomena ignored by traditional historical interpretations.

Nietzsche argues that one of the flaws he sees in the work of his contemporaries is that they fail to consider the historical sense of ideas. This term refers to the examination of concepts and theories through historical and social context, closely relating to Nietzsche’s emphasis on the genealogy of social constructs.

Moral relativism refers to the philosophical viewpoint that morals and ethics are products of historical, social, and individual context. This means that there is no singular correct approach to morality; instead, morality is determined by contextual factors and cultural norms. Many of Nietzsche’s theories in On the Genealogy of Morals reflect moral relativist ideas.

Nihilism is the philosophical belief that life lacks meaning or purpose. This approach challenges accepted ideas about morality, spirituality, love, family, and other aspects of human life. Nietzsche is often associated with nihilism, but his work emphasizes the importance of developing one’s own meaning and values.

Philology is the study of language and its historical development. Nietzsche uses philology to examine the origin of words related to morality, such as “nobility” and “cleanliness.”

A polemic is a text or speech that directly and aggressively argues to break down an opposing viewpoint. In this work, Nietzsche uses a polemical style to criticize Western Christian morality.

Sacerdotal refers to anything related to the priesthood or religious rituals. Nietzsche examines the relationship between nobility and the Church and how this connection shaped cultural morality.

“Slave morality” is a concept developed by Friedrich Nietzsche. The philosopher argues that “slave morality” was a set of values developed by people who had been oppressed by others in power. “Slave morality” is a reaction, then, to what Nietzsche calls aristocratic morality or “master morality.” “Slave morality” champions meekness, patience, compassion, and humility, while aristocratic morality celebrates strength and dominance.

A sovereign individual is a person who can make choices about the future independent of cultural structures of morality. This person establishes a set of values that govern personal choices and actions.