Nietzsche / Beyond Good and
Evil
Preface
Nietzsche introduces the idea that truth is a woman, suggesting that
philosophers have not really understood truth. He criticizes dogmatic
philosophy, specifically mentioning Plato’s invention of pure spirit and the Good
in itself
“Suppose that truth is a woman – and why not?” (p.3)
“we, whose task is wakefulness itself, are the heirs to all the force
cultivated through the struggle against this error.” (p.4)
“perspectivism, which is the fundamental condition of all life” (p.4)
“since Christianity is Platonism for the “people” (p.4)
We as “good Europeans”
Part 1 On the prejudices of philosophers
Nietzsche critiques philosophers and their approach to truth. He suggests that
their judgments are often driven by their instincts and personal interests. He
also proposes that false judgments are essential for life and acknowledges
untruth as a condition of life, placing such a philosophy beyond good and evil.
He further discusses the personal investment in a philosopher's moral intention
and criticizes philosophers for acting as advocates of their own beliefs.
Furthermore, he explains that every philosophy is a reflection of its author's
personal confession and a memoir of their involuntary and unconscious
thoughts.
“The fundamental belief of metaphysicians is the belief in oppositions of
values” (p.6)
“To acknowledge untruth as a condition of life: this clearly means resisting
the usual value feelings in a dangerous manner; and a philosophy that risks
Nietzsche / Beyond Good and Evil 1