Friedrich Nietzsches grandiose Streitschrift 'Zur Genealogie der Moral' erschien erstmals 1887 und ist eins seiner einflussreichsten Werke.

"The Genealogy of Morals" (German: "Zur Genealogie der Moral") is a philosophical work written by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. The book was published in 1887 and is divided into three essays: "Good and Evil, Good and Bad," "Guilt, Bad Conscience, and the Like," and "What is the Meaning of Ascetic Ideals?" In "The Genealogy of Morals," Nietzsche delves into an analysis of the origins and development of moral values in Western society. He challenges conventional moral theories and seeks to uncover the psychological and historical factors that have shaped our moral concepts. Nietzsche employs a method of genealogy, which involves tracing the historical development of ideas and values to reveal their underlying motivations and consequences. One of the central themes in the book is the distinction between "master morality" and "slave morality." Nietzsche argues that in early human societies, there was a morality of the ruling class (masters) that emphasized values such as strength, power, and nobility. However, as the oppressed class (slaves) gained influence, their values of humility, meekness, and sympathy became dominant, leading to a shift in moral perspectives. Nietzsche also explores the concept of "ressentiment," a term he uses to describe the deep-seated resentment and hostility felt by the weak and oppressed. According to Nietzsche, this resentment plays a crucial role in the development of slave morality. The third essay, "What is the Meaning of Ascetic Ideals?," examines the role of asceticism in shaping moral values. Nietzsche investigates the motives behind ascetic practices and their impact on human psychology and culture. "The Genealogy of Morals" is a complex and provocative work that challenges traditional moral philosophy and invites readers to reconsider the origins and nature of morality. Nietzsche's writing is often characterized by its aphoristic style and critical engagement with the prevailing moral and philosophical views of his time.

"The Genealogy of Morals" (Original German Title "Zur Genealogie der Moral: Eine Streitschrift') is a seminal work in which Nietzsche delves into the historical and psychological origins of moral values, continuing his arguments in Beyond Good and Evil. This book has greatly influenced Modernist thinkers like Sigmund Freud , and Post-Modern thinkers like Michel Foucault. It was very popular in France in the 20th century, further establishing a Nihilistic foundation of central European society. This work, which consists of a preface and three "treatises," is one of Nietzsche's most influential writings. They are not a collection of aphorisms like most of his other works, but longer, systematic texts with a thoroughly scientific approach: he presents sociological, historical, and psychological theses attacking Protestant Theology. Unlike the classical moral philosophers, Nietzsche does not attempt to derive or justify morality, but rather to trace the historical development and psychological preconditions of certain moral values. Thus, he does not ask how people should act, but why people (individuals or groups) believe they should act in a certain way, or want others to act in a certain way. He uses a genealogical method to trace the development of moral concepts, revealing their contingent and power-laden nature. The book is divided into three essays, each exploring different aspects of morality, including the contrast between master and slave morality, the role of guilt and guilt in the formation of conscience, and the ascetic ideal. Nietzsche's analysis in this work has had a profound influence on subsequent philosophical and cultural thought, particularly in the fields of ethics and moral psychology. The juxtaposition of a "slave morality" and a "master morality" from the first treatise has become a catchphrase, although this concept comes directly from Hegel's notion of the slave dialectic leading to absolute freedom. The third treatise, in which Nietzsche offers a detailed critique of ascetic ideals, is fundamental to the understanding of all of his later writings. First published in 1887 by the publishing house C. G. Naumann in Leipzig, Germany, this is a new 2024 translation from this original 1886 German manuscript contains a new Afterword by the Translator, a timeline of Nietzsche's life and works, an index with descriptions of his core concepts and summaries of his complete body of works. This translation is designed to allow the armchair philosopher to engage deeply with Nietzsche's works without having to be a full-time Academic. The language is modern and clean, with simplified sentence structures and diction to make Nietzsche's complex language and arguments as accessible as possible. This Reader's Edition also contains extra material that amplifies the manuscript with autobiographical, historical and linguistic context. This provides the reader a holistic view of this very enigmatic philosopher as both an introduction and an exploration of Nietzsche's works; from his general understanding of his philosophic project to an exploration of the depths of his metaphysics and unique contributions. This edition contains: • An Afterword by the Translator on the history, impact and intellectual legacy of Nietzsche • Translation notes on the original German, Latin and Greek manuscript • An index of Philosophical concepts used by Nietzsche with a focus on Existentialism and Phenomenology • A chronological list of Nietzsche's entire body of works • A detailed timeline of Nietzsche's life and works

The Genealogy of Morals: A Polemic by Friedrich Nietzsche is a thought-provoking and controversial work that delves into the origins and evolution of morality. Originally published in 1887, this three-essay collection has sparked intense debates and critical analysis, making it one of Nietzsche's most influential and enduring works. In this book, Nietzsche sets out to challenge and uproot traditional moral systems, particularly those rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs. He argues that morality is not objective, but rather a human construct that has been imposed on society by those in positions of power. He rejects the notion of an absolute right or wrong and instead presents a genealogical approach to understanding the development of morals. The first essay, "Good and Evil, Good and Bad," explores Nietzsche's concept of the "slave revolt in morality." He posits that the values of good and evil were originally defined by the ruling class as a means of controlling and subjugating the weak. In this way, the concept of good was associated with qualities such as submission, obedience, and meekness, while evil was associated with strength, independence, and power. Nietzsche argues that this system of morality has been internalized by the masses, leading to the suppression of their natural instincts and desires. In the second essay, "Guilt, Bad Conscience, and Related Matters," Nietzsche delves into the origins of guilt and how it has been used to control and manipulate individuals. He argues that the concept of guilt was created by those in power to maintain their dominance over the weak. This essay also explores the development of the concept of the soul and the role it has played in shaping morality. The final essay, "What is the Meaning of Ascetic Ideals?" delves into the ascetic ideals of self-denial and renunciation. Nietzsche argues that these ideals have been imposed on society in order to suppress the natural instincts and drives of individuals, creating a society of weak and sick individuals. The Genealogy of Morals is a scathing critique of traditional morality and a call to reject these inherited values and create new ones based on an individual's own instincts and desires. Nietzsche's ideas have greatly influenced modern philosophy, psychology, and sociology, and his work continues to be a subject of debate and analysis. However, it is important to note that this book has been subject to criticism for its provocative and often controversial ideas. Some argue that Nietzsche's rejection of traditional morality and emphasis on individualism can lead to a dangerous and amoral society. Others question the validity of his historical analysis and the generalizability of his theories. The Genealogy of Morals is a challenging and thought-provoking read that forces readers to question their deeply ingrained beliefs about morality. It is a polemic against societal norms and a call to embrace one's own instincts and desires. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Nietzsche's ideas, this book remains a crucial piece of literature that continues to influence philosophical discourse.