Beyond Good and Evil · Chapter
Chapter 32 explained
Nietzsche traces the historical development of moral valuation, from a prehistoric period where actions were judged by their consequences, to a moral period where intention became the sole criterion of value.
What happens
Nietzsche traces the historical development of moral valuation, from a prehistoric period where actions were judged by their consequences, to a moral period where intention became the sole criterion of value. He argues this 'intention-morality' is a prejudice that must be overcome, heralding a new 'ultra-moral' period where the unintentional, deeper meaning of an action is paramount.
Themes in this chapter
Origin of Moral Valuation
The chapter's core subject is the historical evolution of how value is assigned to actions, moving from consequences to intentions, and pointing toward a future 'ultra-moral' criterion.
Critique of Modernity
The modern 'moral' period, fixated on intention, is diagnosed as a superstitious prejudice that must be surmounted, representing a key critique of contemporary values.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Acts as the historical analyst and prophet, diagnosing the shifts in moral perspective and announcing the coming task for 'immoralists' and refined consciences.
- Europeans
Implied as the audience and subjects of the modern 'suspicion' and 'new self-consciousness' that challenges intention-morality.
Key passages
“the value or non-value of an action was inferred from its consequences”
In the earliest, pre-moral period, actions were judged solely by their outcomes, not their nature or motive.
Establishes the first historical stage of valuation.
“one no longer lets the consequences of an action, but its origin, decide with regard to its worth”
The moral period shifted focus to the origin of an action, specifically the intention behind it, as the measure of value.
Defines the second, intention-focused stage, seen as an 'inversion of perspective.'
“the suspicion arises that the decisive value of an action lies precisely in that which is not intentional”
A new, emerging view suspects that an action's true worth is found in its unintentional, subconscious, or hidden aspects, not its stated purpose.
Introduces the coming 'ultra-moral' critique of intention-morality.
“The surmounting of morality... the long-secret labour which has been reserved for the most refined, the most upright, and also the most wicked consciences of today”
Overcoming traditional morality is the essential, hidden task for the most acute modern minds, who must serve as 'touchstones of the soul.'
Posits the active, future-oriented project for the 'immoralists' or new philosophers.