Marx, Nietzsche, and Ethical Indeterminism: A Deep Dive

Marx's Conception of Man

Marx viewed man as an active, dynamic, and constantly evolving being who transforms reality. This transformation is undertaken through work, which represents the union of theory and practice. Man is reflected in his work and identifies with it.

However, in this society, man cannot fully realize himself through work because it is not truly his. The fruit of his labor belongs to another, the owner, leading to the alienation of the individual. The product of their work is taken away, becoming foreign, and the more one produces, the poorer one becomes. The worker also feels alienated in their relationships with other men and ultimately becomes distanced from themself, as alienation affects their inner world. Human relationships are reduced to mere economic interests.

Nietzsche's Critique of Judeo-Christian Tradition

Nietzsche criticized the Judeo-Christian tradition, arguing that it asserts that real life lies beyond this one, fostering contempt for earthly existence. God directs the world and uses punishment to destroy the values of life, such as guilt.

Therefore, Nietzsche proposed a new kind of human being with new moral values that extol the individuality of life. These new values are driven by the will to power. This leads to the concept of the Superman: an individual capable of creating new values, loving life and the world above all else, and being strong and master of themself to grow and create.

Features of Moral Standards

• Moral standards involve a critical reflection upon the scope and consequences of an action. Before taking action, one must consider the consequences.
• They possess a desire for universality. To do good, one must do so under the moral law.

Reasons That Motivate Humans to Act

• Teleological or Purpose-Driven Ethics: Actions should produce a specific end, such as happiness or pleasure.
• Ethics or Duty-Based Ethics: We must act out of a sense of duty imposed by reason.

Basis of Morality

• External Grounds: The origin of the rules is external, such as God. This applies to teleological ethics, which are based on external mandates.
• Internal Substantiation: Reason and will allow individuals to choose actions independently and responsibly. The rules arise from the individual's reason and will, and they choose to act of their own volition.
• Intersubjective Ethical Foundations: Moral standards are based on agreement, as seen in dialogical ethics.

Ethical Indeterminism According to Kant

Kant argued that in moral actions, we must distinguish between what a person does and what they intend. According to Kant, only the human will can be described as good or bad, not the specific acts themselves.