Master-Slave Morality

Overview

Nietzsche argues that there are two fundamental types of morality: "master morality" and "slave morality" which correspond to the dichotomies of "good/bad" and "good/evil".

In master morality, "good" is a self-designation of the aristocratic classes; it is synonymous with nobility and everything powerful and life-affirming. Whereas "bad" has no condemnatory implication - it simply refers to the "common", or the "low," and the qualities and values associated with them.
In slave morality, "good" is the antithesis of the original aristocratic "good," which itself is relabeled "evil." This inversion of values develops out of the ressentiment (not resentment) the weak feel towards the powerful.

Nietzsche believes morality is inseparable from the culture that values it, meaning that each culture's language, codes, practices, narratives, and institutions are informed by the struggle between the two moral structures.

#TODO look into slave and master morality a bit more.

Attention

A lot of what Nietzsche says is often misunderstood - it is important to read of Nietzsche's work from reliable sources that do not take his thoughts out of context. Take a look at Why Nietzsche is often misunderstood.