Which Philosophers Influenced Nietzsche Genealogy Of Morality?

As someone deeply immersed in philosophy, I find Nietzsche's 'Genealogy of Morality' fascinating because it’s a brilliant critique of traditional moral values. Nietzsche was heavily influenced by Arthur Schopenhauer, whose ideas about the will and pessimism shaped Nietzsche’s early thinking. Schopenhauer’s concept of the 'will to life' can be seen as a precursor to Nietzsche’s 'will to power.' Nietzsche also engaged with Paul Rée’s work, particularly his psychological approach to morality, though Nietzsche later distanced himself from Rée’s more utilitarian views. Additionally, Nietzsche’s critique of Christian morality echoes the ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, who questioned religious dogma. Nietzsche’s unique twist was to trace morality’s origins to power dynamics, which sets him apart from his predecessors.

Nietzsche’s 'Genealogy of Morality' is a masterpiece that dissects the roots of moral concepts, and understanding his influences helps unpack its depth. One major figure is Schopenhauer, whose philosophy of the 'will' profoundly impacted Nietzsche, though Nietzsche eventually rejected Schopenhauer’s pessimism. Another key influence is Paul Rée, whose book 'The Origin of Moral Sensations' inspired Nietzsche’s early thoughts on morality, even though Nietzsche later criticized Rée’s reliance on Darwinian and utilitarian explanations. Nietzsche’s engagement with classical philology also brought Greek thinkers like Heraclitus into his orbit, emphasizing flux and conflict over static moral systems.

Beyond these, Nietzsche’s work reflects a broader dialogue with French moralists like La Rochefoucauld, who exposed the selfish underpinnings of virtue. Nietzsche’s critique of slave morality also draws implicit parallels to Marx’s analysis of class struggle, though Nietzsche focuses on psychological rather than economic power. The 'Genealogy' is also a response to Kant’s deontological ethics, as Nietzsche rejects the idea of universal moral laws, arguing instead for a historical and psychological approach. These diverse influences coalesce into Nietzsche’s radical reevaluation of morality, making the 'Genealogy' a turning point in modern philosophy.

When I first read Nietzsche’s 'Genealogy of Morality,' I was struck by how he dismantles moral assumptions with such precision. His work owes much to Schopenhauer, whose ideas about the irrational will shaped Nietzsche’s early views, though Nietzsche later turned Schopenhauer’s pessimism into a celebration of life’s struggles. Paul Rée’s psychological approach to morality also left its mark, particularly in Nietzsche’s focus on the origins of moral feelings rather than their rational justification.

Nietzsche’s critique of Christian morality also shows the influence of Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, who challenged religious authority. But Nietzsche goes further, tracing morality to hidden power struggles, a perspective that feels fresh even today. His admiration for the Greeks, especially Heraclitus, surfaces in his emphasis on change and conflict as fundamental to human existence. These influences combine to make the 'Genealogy' a provocative and enduring work.