DEFINITION: Moral Philosophy is a branch of philosophy which studies moral principles. It also examines the goodness and badness of character as well as the goals and ends of behavior. [APA, n.d.]
SUMMARY. Friedrich Nietzsche’s article on the Genealogy of Morals discusses the history of moral values, and the ways they were used to oppress or control particular groups of people. German philosopher Nietzsche is known for his criticism of European traditional values. He argues that the idea of good or evil was used to oppress people, while those at the top label their actions as positive and marginalized as negative. Nietzsche claims that good and bad, along with other moral values have been created and are used to control society.
DISCUSSION. The article discusses the evolution and origins of moral values. These values do not represent objective truths but are socially constructed. They are used as justifications for the actions of people in power. This challenge the conventional understanding of moral philosophy that assumes universal moral truths are applicable to all. Nietzsche’s viewpoint focuses instead on the sociocultural and political contexts within which moral values are created, and the ways they can be used for oppression and control. The study of moral philosophy is now enhanced by this new perspective, which examines the power dynamics involved in creating and enforcing moral values.