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Ideas for 'The Gettier Problem', 'The Value of Knowledge and the Pursuit of Understanding' and 'Unpublished Notebooks 1881-82'

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3 ideas

22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature
We can aspire to greatness by creating new functions for ourselves [Nietzsche]
     Full Idea: To see the new greatness not above oneself, not outside oneself, but to make a new function from it.
     From: Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1881-82 [1882], 13[19])
     A reaction: Thus we might combine the Aristotelian and the existentialist views! Do we discover our function or invent it? Anyone who acquires an expertise is creating a new function for themselves, presumably with a high value.
Greeks might see modern analysis of what is human as impious [Nietzsche]
     Full Idea: Perhaps a Greek would experience the way we have delved deeply in uncovering what is human to be an impiety against nature, a shameless act.
     From: Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1881-82 [1882], 34[01])
     A reaction: Three instances come to mind: Vesalius, Kant and Darwin. That is, anatomical dissection, deep and critical introspection, and natural selection. Human dissection was certainly a Greek taboo.
Once a drive controls the intellect, it rules, and sets the goals [Nietzsche]
     Full Idea: Once it has taken control of the intellect, every single human drive probably demands to be recognised as the ultimate lord and goal-setter of all human matters.
     From: Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1881-82 [1882], 7[057])
     A reaction: This is the best line of attack against the view I like, that human values arise out of the central functions of human nature. It is roughly the existential objection. Is all intellect controlled by some drive, or can intellect seize control of a drive?