Nietzsche’s Genealogy: textbook or parody?
Andrew Inkpin (University of Melbourne)

October 6, 2016, 12:15pm - 2:15pm
Department of Philosophy, University of Melbourne

G16 (Jim Potter Room)
Old Physics Building
Melbourne 3010
Australia

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Abstract: Given its apparently scholarly form, the Genealogy of Morality is often read as a succinct, relatively systematic, and canonical exposition of Nietzsche’s mature views on morality. However, such readings are difficult to reconcile with Nietzsche’s views on the nature and value of truth, particularly the dramatic self-cancellation of the ascetic ideal he diagnoses. This paper examines how the work might instead be read as having the overarching aim of parodying a scholarly treatise. It begins by surveying some of the evidence that supports reading the Genealogy as a ‘textbook’ presentation of Nietzsche’s views. Against this, I then develop a case for reading as a work of parody, paying particular attention to the third essay and the work’s place in Nietzsche’s oeuvre. Finally, I consider whether the intended parody is best interpreted as having the force of a strong parody that denies the possibility of truth-directed enquiry or that of a weak parody denying the intrinsic value of such enquiry. Although a strong parody is likely to have seemed particularly attractive to Nietzsche’s anti-ascetic trajectory (and many of his readers), I argue that the Genealogy is best read as a weak parody, because this maximizes its overall coherence while allowing it to be seen as exemplifying Nietzschean ‘Gay Science’, which – in supposed contrast to Wagner – aspires to combine cheerfulness with profundity.

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