Nietzsche's Philosophy: Unnatural Morality and Transmutation of Values

Unnatural Morality

Unnatural morality, according to Nietzsche, is a morality of the weak and embittered, directed against the vitality of the body and its passions. It posits a superior "world of reality" whose attainment requires sacrifice in this life. Unnatural morality emerges in opposition to natural morality, which is the morality of the strong, based on the will to power and an appreciation of this life. Any morality that requires sacrifice and mortification in this life for the sake of another life beyond is deemed unnatural.

Transmutation of Values

Transmutation of values: Nietzsche does not propose living without values, believing that to be impossible. Instead, he invites us to overturn the existing table of values. This involves overcoming the moral waiver and resentment towards life prevalent in Western thought, through a new table where values affirm life radically. The transmutation of values is the overcoming of the "slave morality" to recover the "aristocratic morality," allowing for the triumph of the Superman's moral code.

Comparison with Other Philosophers

Nietzsche, in his anthropology, essentially proposes a vital man in opposition to culture and society. This man must be creative, constantly striving, and must create his own values. Nietzsche's anthropology is not dualistic; that is, he does not conceive of man as being composed of soul and body.

For Plato, the fundamental aspect of humanity is ethical rather than scientific. He presents a dualistic view of man. He departs from the classical anthropological view of social hierarchy, though, like Nietzsche, he shows a preference for the aristocracy.

Aristotle also presents a dualistic view of man. Man is the unity that thinks and feels. The human soul is of a rational type, which differentiates it from other living beings. Each man seeks his own good.

Personal Opinion

In my opinion, Nietzsche was a very self-centered man. In his autobiography, "Ecce Homo," he states that he is not a man but dynamite, and he believes himself to be unique, claiming to be the first to perceive lies and discover the truth. He wanted to change the thoughts and values of the entire world in a short time and bring about the birth of a being superior to man: the Superman. However, as in evolution, change requires time. Nietzsche had very clear ideas and wanted everyone to think like him. To me, he was a kind of moral dictator.