Introduction
Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher and writer who became one of the first philosophical activists who tried to show social problems in an easy way that was available to everyone. The figure has raised various discussions that directly influence surrounding people, like culture, history, and critical thinking in everyday life (Rattiner, 2019). In a work called “On the Genealogy of Morality,” the writer and philosopher explained the concepts of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ from a diverse perspective, which does not allow for building a specific explanation of these words. Additionally, some aspects of understanding the world were presented in the book, including various ideas that make people think about their visions.
Ethical Dilemmas in On the Genealogy of Morality
“On the Genealogy of Morality” includes many ethical dilemmas that many modern philosophers discuss. The perception of ‘good and bad’ and ‘good and evil’ helps to develop critical thinking as there is a significant change in the evil and bad actions (Nietzsche, 1887). The following critical analysis provided by the writer is related to guilt, which can appear while conducting good and bad actions related to oneself or others. Representing different ideas about the main topics allows readers to choose the most appealing ideas for their personalities and beliefs. Therefore, “On the Genealogy of Morality” is mainly based on the criticism and expansion of different views.
Accountability and Individual Reflection in Nietzsche’s Philosophy
In the book, Friedrich Nietzsche explains that understanding problems and recognizing personal advantages and drawbacks is one of the main aspects of philosophy. By conducting positive or negative actions, the individual needs to be accountable for their actions and ensure they were done according to preferences but not under pressure. A clear understanding of action can help clarify further activities and work on mistakes to stay wiser in the decision (Nietzsche, 1887). The author also provides a unique explanation of questioning in philosophy. People form their individual questions, which usually differ by structure, and, in this case, the answers may vary, making the philosophical part of the issue exclusive.
The Role of Context, History, and Culture in Ethics
The formulation of a question usually causes changes in the context, which plays one of the leading roles in the philosophy of ethics and morality. According to Nietzsche (1887), the context of the question may differ depending on the period and role models in these boundaries. The more specific the question, the clearer the context is transferred to the next generations. History is also essential in philosophical ideas, as wars and political instabilities could distract people from the spiritual aspect of their lives to pay more attention to physical problems.
Friedrich Nietzsche made many breakthroughs before the crisis in the 1900s, which are popular today (Rattiner, 2019). Christians believe they have to stay ethical to themselves and God, while Muslims think it is essential to show empathy to surrounding people. Therefore, along with history, culture remained an essential aspect of ethical and moral philosophy.
The Subjectivity of ‘Good,’ ‘Bad,’ and ‘Evil’ According to Nietzsche
One of the main ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche is that there are no clear definitions for ‘good,’ ‘bad,’ and ‘evil.’ Every person can define their unique understanding of the concepts. The ideas can differ depending on lifestyles, beliefs, culture, and work position (Nietzsche, 1887). For example, for some people in the modern world, it might be ‘good’ to help others with the work they have to do. However, for others, ‘good’ might mean talking politely with surrounding individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Friedrich Nietzsche is one of the most outstanding philosophical leaders and ethical writers who have shown that many life concepts do not have a standard definition and that every person can build their perceptions. However, history, critical cultural thinking, and contextual meaning are mandatory in the studies of ethics and morality these days and in the past. Even though with the change in generations, people create different values, philosophical aspects continue influencing the creation of individual definitions of such elements as ‘good’ and ‘bad.’
References
Nietzsche, F. (1887). On the Genealogy of Morality. Hackett Publishing.
Rattiner, S. L. (2019). The Use and Abuse of History. Dover Publications.