Date of Award
11-6-2007
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Jessica N. Berry - Chair
Second Advisor
Andrew I. Cohen
Third Advisor
Andrew J. Cohen
Abstract
In this thesis I provide an overview of Nietzsche's ethics with an emphasis on showing how his naturalistic approach to ethics leads him to advance an egoistic moral code. I argue that this, though radical in the light of conventional morality, is not irrational, unprincipled, or proscriptive of other-regarding moral considerations. On the contrary, it demands the highest degree of foresight and integrity. While Nietzsche's writings are meant for a select group of people, namely "higher men," whose flourishing may be undercut by their unwitting acceptance of a self-destructive morality. I explain that Nietzsche places the highest degree of value on the life of these individuals, the development of their character, and their flourishing. Further, I explain that Nietzsche extols as a great virtue "bestowing" or "gift-giving," and that he takes generosity to be more frequently practiced under an ethics of egoism.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/1059764
Recommended Citation
Nantz, Derrick Phillip, "Nietzsche on Naturalism, Egoism and Altruism." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2007.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/1059764