Nietzsche's Genealogy of Morality

Abstract

Combining philosophical acuity, psychological insight and a remarkably powerful prose style, On the Genealogy of Morality is a dazzling and brilliantly incisive attack on European morality. David Owen situates the Genealogy in the context of the development of Nietzsche's philosophy and offers readers a sophisticated and nuanced analysis of this great text. He provides a lucid account of Nietzsche’s reasons for adopting a “genealogical” investigation of our moral values as well as a detailed analysis of the Genealogy itself. Highlighting the key features of Nietzsche’s critique of morality and his call for a re-evaluation of values, Owen shows how the arguments and rhetoric of the Genealogy combine to undermine our modern understanding of moral agency. Rich in insight, Owen's book is a distinctive and significant contribution to our understanding of this landmark work of western philosophy.