Genealogía de la Moral, de Nietzsche, explicada - Parte 1.

Name: Genealogía de la Moral, de Nietzsche, explicada - Parte 1.
Uploaded: 2020-02-09T14:53:02.000Z
Duration: 1 h 10 min 16 s

Introduction to "Genealogy of Morals" by Friedrich Nietzsche

In this section, the speaker introduces the book "Genealogy of Morals" by Friedrich Nietzsche. The book is relatively short but complex, and the speaker aims to analyze each argument and important concept presented by Nietzsche.

Understanding the Moral Judgments

Nietzsche examines moral judgments in terms of their historical and psychological origins.

The book is divided into three essays, with the first essay discussing good and evil.

Nietzsche proposes that the concepts of good and evil were initially postulated by an ancient morality known as the "morality of the masters" or "morality of the aristocrats."

The Moral Dichotomy: Masters vs Slaves

According to Nietzsche, the morality of the masters was developed by those who held power in society.

The masters considered themselves strong, healthy, free individuals whose happiness was deemed good.

In contrast, they viewed weak, sickly, and enslaved individuals as bad due to their undesirable qualities.

Origin of Good and Evil

Nietzche highlights that before organized states existed, powerful individuals formed alliances with friends and dominated their enemies.

These dynamics can be observed in legends from tribal societies or ancient stories like Homer's epics.

Plato's work "The Republic" also explores similar ideas about justice and differentiating between friends and enemies.

Moral Perspectives: Amos vs Slaves

The moral perspective of the masters referred to themselves as good (gut), while slaves referred to them as evil (böse).

Nietzsche argues that slave morality is rooted in resentment and envy towards those who are powerful.

Judaism and Christianity are seen as continuations of this slave morality where selfishness becomes a sin.

Egoism vs Generosity

In master morality, egoism is considered acceptable, while in slave morality, generosity is emphasized.

Nietzsche suggests that when aristocratic values decline, the opposition between egoists and non-egoists arises.

This distinction between egoism and generosity characterizes slave morality.

Weakness as a Virtue

Nietzsche contrasts his perspective with authors like Marx and Christianity, who portray the weak as meek followers.

Nietzsche argues that weakness should not be seen as a virtue but rather accepted as a natural characteristic of individuals.

The weak should differentiate themselves from the powerful by embracing their own qualities instead of resenting them.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes the discussion on "Genealogy of Morals" by Friedrich Nietzsche. The book explores the origins of moral judgments and highlights the contrast between master morality and slave morality.

Embracing Weakness

Nietzsche emphasizes that individuals should embrace their weaknesses instead of resenting those who are strong.

Slave morality promotes virtues such as patience, humility, and justice based on avoiding violence and seeking divine justice.

Critique of Slave Morality

Nietzsche sees slave morality as a product of resentment and envy towards those in power.

He views Judaism and Christianity as examples of this moral perspective that condemns selfishness.

Reevaluating Moral Values

The decline of aristocratic values leads to an opposition between egoism and generosity in slave morality.

Nietzsche challenges traditional notions of good and evil, urging individuals to question established moral values.

These summaries provide an overview of the main points discussed in each section. For a more comprehensive understanding, it is recommended to refer to the original transcript or watch the video.

The Aristocratic Ideal

Nietzsche discusses the etymology of "aristocratic" and its meaning in Greek as the government of the best, which he interprets as the strongest. He presents Napoleon as an embodiment of this ideal, a synthesis of the inhuman and superhuman.

The Origin of Morality

Nietzsche introduces his genealogical method to explain how humans became moral beings.

In his second essay, Nietzsche explores guilt and moral consciousness.

He argues that ideas like sin or moral transgression are later developments.

The first basis for guilt is found in commercial transactions and debt relationships.

The German word for guilt, "Schuld," originates from the concept of having debts.

The Relationship Between Buyers and Sellers

Nietzsche claims that morality originated from the oldest and most fundamental relationship between buyers and sellers, creditors and debtors.

This relationship involves exchanging money for goods or services, sometimes resulting in one party owing a debt to another.

The concept of moral guilt in German (Schuld) is rooted in the idea of having debts.

The Birth of Human Thinking

Nietzsche suggests that this relationship between buyers and sellers was where individuals first measured themselves against others.

It cultivated a sense of human pride and superiority over other animals.

The German word for man (Mensch) derives from "man," which means to measure or value.

Humans began to see themselves as beings who measure values and compare them.

Transition from Animals to Persons

Nietzsche argues that when individuals start measuring themselves against each other, they cease being mere animals and become persons.

Personhood is a legal category representing social roles related to buying, selling, rights, obligations, and debts.

Hegel's philosophy influenced Nietzsche's view on personhood as one of the earliest forms of social organization.

Impact on Psychology and Justice

Engaging in commercial exchanges and measuring values has profound psychological effects.

Nietzsche suggests that the practice of exchange shapes how communities and states understand justice.

The concept of paying for crimes, the oldest and most naive moral canon, emerges from this understanding of justice.

It leads to ideas of equity, proportional punishment, and an objective measure of justice.

Psychological Consequences

The transformation in social practices has significant psychological consequences.

The habit of exchange affects human perception, leading to the belief that everything has a price and can be paid for.

Marx's writings on money and the psychological effects of exchange align with Nietzsche's perspective.

The Importance of Exchange

Nietzsche emphasizes the significance of buying and selling as the first form of relationship between individuals. He explores how this practice shapes psychology, ideology, discourse, knowledge, and notions of justice within communities.

Birthplace of Mutual Respect

Buying and selling relationships are older than any form of community or association between people.

These relationships precede complex organizations like associations or states.

They give rise to mutual respect among individuals engaged in transactions.

Impact on Thinking

Nietzsche suggests that thinking originates from comparing and measuring values through exchange practices.

This challenges conventional views by asserting that human thought is rooted in social practices rather than individual cognition.

Influence on Communities and States

Nietzsche argues that communities and states begin to measure individuals based on their participation in exchange relationships.

Communities adopt the perspective shaped by exchange practices when considering justice issues.

Psychological Effects

Engaging in exchange practices has profound psychological impacts on individuals within societies.

It creates a sense that everything can be measured by a common standard - money - which influences perceptions about justice.

Psychological Effects on Ideology and Knowledge

Nietzsche explores the psychological and ideological effects of participating in exchange practices within societies. He highlights the impact on ideology, discourse, knowledge, and justice.

Impact on Ideology and Discourse

Participating in exchange practices affects ideology, discourse, and knowledge within societies.

Nietzsche draws parallels between his ideas and Marx's writings on money and the origins of exchange practices.

Influence on Justice

The practice of paying for crimes is the oldest and most basic moral canon.

It forms the foundation for concepts like equity, proportional punishment, and objective measures of justice.

Psychological Consequences

Transformations in social practices have significant psychological consequences.

Engaging in exchange practices shapes perceptions about justice, leading to specific ideologies within communities and states.

The Concept of Justice and Power Dynamics

Nietzsche discusses the concept of justice in society, highlighting that it is based on the goodwill and understanding among those in power. Those who dominate society can impose their rules on the less powerful individuals and force them to comply.

The Willingness to Impose Rules

Justice, according to Nietzsche, is based on the agreement between those in power who set the rules of society.

The dominant individuals can come to an agreement among themselves and enforce compromises on the less powerful individuals.

This power dynamic allows for the imposition of laws on debtors as a means of compensation.

Compensation through Cruelty

In ancient societies, when a debtor cannot repay their debts, they offer possessions as collateral. If they have nothing left, they may offer their own body, spouse, freedom, or even their life.

The compensation for creditors is not material wealth but rather the right to be cruel towards debtors.

Punishment serves as a means for creditors to extract what is owed from debtors and does not aim to teach or deter criminals.

Pleasure in Punishment

Nietzsche suggests that punishment brings pleasure and satisfaction to society.

There is a sense of enjoyment derived from exerting power over someone helpless or vulnerable.

This pleasure arises from violating others and indulging in cruelty.

Rugbiers Case and Societal Reaction

Nietzsche's ideas are reflected in contemporary discussions surrounding cases like the "rugbiers" group who committed a crime. Society often focuses on factors such as social status or material possessions when discussing punishment.

Public Interest in Criminals' Social Status

When high-status individuals commit crimes like the "rugbiers" case discussed in Argentina's media, people tend to focus on their social class and possessions.

There is a belief that they will face consequences in prison, leading to a desire for revenge from other inmates.

Promises, Contracts, and Memory

Nietzsche explores the significance of promises and contracts in human society. He emphasizes how memory is shaped by cultural practices and institutions.

The Importance of Promises

Nietzsche argues that humans are not rational animals or tool users but rather beings capable of making promises.

Making a promise implies an agreement between individuals within society.

Promises and contracts share similarities as both involve commitments.

Memory as a Social Product

Human memory is influenced by social practices, according to Nietzsche.

Memories are formed through experiences that leave lasting impressions, often involving bloodshed, sacrifice, or martyrdom.

Our psychology and memory are shaped by these social practices.

Cruelty in Cultural Mechanisms

Nietzsche suggests that culture employs cruel mechanisms to ensure remembrance.

Harsh penal laws reveal the effort humanity has made to combat forgetfulness.

Public executions serve as reminders of certain prohibitions such as "thou shalt not kill" or "thou shalt not steal."

Punishment and the Development of Reason

Nietzsche argues that punishment serves to create moral consciousness rather than instill guilt. He questions the idea that punishment allows for the recovery of a moral conscience.

Punishment's Effect on Guilt

Punishment does not lead to guilt or moral introspection; instead, it blocks the formation of guilt feelings.

Executions prevent criminals from perceiving their actions as morally wrong since they witness state-sanctioned violence without remorse.

State-Sanctioned Cruelty

The police and judicial system employ methods such as espionage, deception, traps, lies, theft, violence, deprivation of liberty, torture, and murder to pursue enemies of the state.

Judges do not condemn these cruel methods but only when certain individuals perform them in specific contexts.

The Sinister Plant of Guilt

Nietzsche compares guilt to a sinister and intriguing plant. He explains how punishment does not create a sense of guilt but rather alienates individuals from their community.

The Nature of Guilt

Guilt is compared to a sinister and fascinating plant by Nietzsche.

Punishment does not foster guilt or moral introspection; instead, it alienates individuals from their community.

Parents who punish their children hinder the formation of guilt since witnessing executions prevents criminals from perceiving their actions as morally wrong.

State-Sanctioned Cruelty and Moral Conscience

Nietzsche highlights the discrepancy between how state officials view cruel methods used by the police and judicial system versus those employed by criminals.

Approval of State-Sanctioned Cruelty

State officials do not condemn or reprove cruel methods employed by the police or judiciary.

These officials only disapprove when certain individuals use such methods in specific contexts.

The lack of condemnation suggests that judges do not find these methods reprehensible.

Conclusion

Nietzsche's exploration delves into the concept of justice based on power dynamics and societal agreements. He challenges traditional notions that punishment leads to moral consciousness or recovery of a moral conscience. Instead, he argues that punishment can alienate individuals from their communities and perpetuate cruelty.

[t=0:23:27s] The Meaning of "Aristocracy" and Nietzsche's View on Napoleon

This section discusses the etymology of the term "aristocracy" and Nietzsche's perspective on it, particularly in relation to Napoleon.

Transcendental Kantian and the Government of the Best

The term "aristocracy" does not only refer to Kantian transcendentalism but also has an etymological meaning of "the government of the best."

Nietzsche believes that the "best" refers to those who are the strongest.

He presents Napoleon as an embodiment of this ideal aristocrat, as a synthesis of both inhuman and superhuman qualities.

[t=0:08:03s] Nietzsche's Second Essay: Guilt and Moral Consciousness

This section focuses on Nietzsche's second essay, where he explores guilt, moral consciousness, and applies his genealogical method to explain how humans became moral beings.

The Importance of Nietzsche's Second Essay

Nietzsche considers his second essay as the most important and complex part of his book.

He delves into topics such as guilt, moral transgressions, and crimes.

His genealogical method is used to trace how humans evolved from being mere animals to becoming moral subjects.

[t=0:08:25s] The Origin of Guilt in Commercial Transactions

In this section, Nietzsche explains that guilt did not originate from ideas like sin or moral transgressions. Instead, he argues that it originated from commercial transactions.

Commercial Transactions as the Origin of Guilt

According to Nietzsche, guilt initially stemmed from basic forms of commerce such as buying, selling, and trading.

These social practices created relationships where someone would owe money to another person who becomes their creditor.

The German word for guilt, "Schuld," is etymologically related to the concept of debt.

[t=0:09:08s] The Moral Concept of Guilt and Debt

Nietzsche further explores the moral concept of guilt, tracing its origins to the idea of having debts.

The Origin of Moral Guilt

Nietzsche argues that the moral concept of guilt originated from the notion of having debts.

He states that morality has its roots in the oldest and most fundamental human relationship: that between buyers and sellers, creditors and debtors.

This relationship marked the first encounter between individuals as they measured and compared themselves to one another.

[t=0:09:34s] The Birth of Measurement and Comparison

Nietzsche discusses how early forms of commerce led to measurement, comparison, and a sense of human preeminence.

The Birth of Measurement

Nietzsche suggests that early forms of commerce cultivated a primitive form of insight where people began measuring values, imagining equivalents, and exchanging goods.

He highlights that even in the lowest stages of civilization, traces can be found indicating this relationship based on measurement and comparison.

The German word for man, "Mensch," derives from "mes," which means measure. This reflects humans' self-perception as beings who measure values.

[t=0:10:49s] From Animals to Persons

In this section, Nietzsche explains how individuals transitioned from being animals to becoming persons through social roles associated with buying, selling, rights, obligations, and debts.

Transitioning from Animals to Persons

Nietzsche emphasizes that when individuals start measuring and comparing themselves through commerce practices like buying and selling, they cease being mere animals or even individuals; they become persons.

Personhood is a legal category representing social roles associated with rights, obligations, debts, buying/selling activities.

He draws inspiration from Hegel's philosophy of law, which considers commerce as one of the earliest forms of social organization.

[t=0:11:33s] The Impact of Exchange on Psychology and Thinking

Nietzsche explores the psychological impact of exchange practices on human psychology and thinking.

Exchange Practices and Psychological Impact

Nietzsche argues that human thought has its roots in social practices and relationships, particularly in how individuals organize production and engage in exchanges.

He suggests that buying and selling are the first relationships to appear between persons, even preceding more complex forms of organization like associations or communities.

Engaging in exchange practices affects psychology, shaping notions of justice, respect, objectivity, and the understanding of punishment for crimes.

[t=0:13:02s] The Role of Exchange in Shaping Justice

This section highlights how engaging in exchange practices shapes notions of justice within communities and states.

Transforming Notions of Justice

Nietzsche asserts that exchange practices generate a sense of interdependence among individuals within communities.

Communities and states begin measuring individuals based on the standards set by exchange practices.

The concept of justice becomes associated with payment for crimes committed, forming the oldest and most basic moral understanding.

Equitable treatment, proportional punishment, objective measures become part of this transformation influenced by engagement in exchange practices.

[t=0:14:34s] Psychological Consequences of Social Practices

Nietzsche discusses the psychological consequences resulting from transformations brought about by engaging in social practices such as exchange.

Psychological Consequences

Engaging in social practices like exchange leads to significant psychological consequences.

Individuals develop habits shaped by these practices, including perceiving everything having a price or being payable.

Marx's writings on money's psychological effects align with Nietzsche's perspective on the impact of engagement in exchange practices on ideology, discourse, knowledge within societies.

Participation in exchange practices influences the understanding of justice, including the idea that crimes should be paid for and the development of notions like equity and objectivity.

The transcript is in Spanish.

New Section

This section discusses Nietzsche's views on justice and the absence of guilt in the judicial system.

Nietzsche's View on Guilt and Justice

Nietzsche argues that for a long time, guilt did not appear in the consciousness of judges or punishers in legal proceedings.

Concepts of moral guilt, conscience, and duty do not have a transcendental Kantian lineage but rather begin with obligations and punishment for non-compliance.

Punishment has psychological effects such as making individuals more cautious, distrustful, and strategic. It also enhances memory and encourages secrecy.

The domestication of humans through punishment does not make them better but rather highlights the cruelty of those in power.

New Section

In this section, Nietzsche explores the effect of punishment on human psychology.

The Effect of Punishment on Human Psychology

Punishment makes individuals more cautious, distrustful, and intelligent. It increases their strategic thinking abilities.

Memory is extended to remember what mistakes to avoid and which secrets to keep.

The summary is that punishment domesticates humans but does not make them better. This challenges the idea that society exists because individuals freely chose to live together for mutual care and protection.

New Section

Nietzsche criticizes social contract theorists like Rousseau by arguing that society is a result of the cruelty of those in power.

Society as a Result of Cruelty

According to Nietzsche, society does not exist because individuals voluntarily formed a harmonious pact or contract. Instead, it arises from the cruelty of those in power and the penal system.

Social organization begins with conquerors and rulers imposing their will upon a population that may be vastly superior in number but still formless.

This challenges the idea that society is based on a social contract and highlights the absence of guilt, responsibility, and consideration in those in power.

New Section

Nietzsche argues that justice is not an inherent concept but rather a result of the imposition of law by those in power.

The Imposition of Law and Justice

Nietzsche rejects the idea that justice and laws are based on a transcendental philosophical concept. Instead, he suggests that someone establishes rights and imposes laws.

The creation of law defines what is just, according to Nietzsche. This places him closer to the sophists rather than philosophers who believe in inherent rights or moral values.

Throughout history, there has been a transformation from tribal societies to states, leading to the emergence of sovereign individuals who are masters of themselves.

New Section

Nietzsche discusses the autonomous individual who is free from traditional ethics and customs.

The Autonomous Individual

Nietzsche describes the modern individual as autonomous, liberated from tradition, and independent.

This individual stands above conventional morality and ethics.

The rise of this autonomous individual is seen as a contingent outcome of power struggles throughout history.

Nietzche's perspective aligns with Enlightenment ideals and Kantian morality.

New Section

Nietzsche explores how individuals become calculable and regulated in order to make promises.

Becoming Calculable for Promises

In order to make promises, humans need to separate necessary things from casual ones. They must think causally in terms of causes and effects.

Thinking scientifically allows individuals to predict future events by establishing chains of means and ends.

To fulfill societal expectations regarding time commitments (e.g., arriving at a certain hour), individuals must be able to count, calculate, reason causally, and anticipate future events accurately.

New Section

Nietzsche discusses the transition from mythical to scientific rationality.

Transition from Mythical to Scientific Rationality

Nietzsche highlights the shift from mythical and poetic understanding of the world in tribal societies to scientific comprehension in modern society.

This transition involves a change in epistemic consciousness, where individuals move from a narrative and poetic understanding of the world to a scientific one.

Payment Inquiry

The speaker asks about the time or method of payment.

Payment Inquiry

The speaker asks, "When are you going to come or when are you going to pay me?"

This section does not have a timestamp.