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2 ideas
2882 | Morality originally judged people, and actions only later on [Nietzsche] |
Full Idea: Designation of moral values was everywhere first applied to human beings, and only later and derivatively to actions. | |
From: Friedrich Nietzsche (Beyond Good and Evil [1886], §260) | |
A reaction: Nietzsche was a great expert on ethics in the ancient world, so you should trust him on this one. In ordinary life assessment of people is what counts. Actions are for law courts. |
2872 | In the earliest phase of human history only consequences mattered [Nietzsche] |
Full Idea: Throughout the longest part of history ('prehistoric times') the value or non-value of an action was derived from its consequences. …but now men are unanimous that the value of an action is in the intention behind it. | |
From: Friedrich Nietzsche (Beyond Good and Evil [1886], §032) | |
A reaction: This seems to be Kant's fault. No one thinks that a reckless or malicios action is innocent if no actual harm results. |