Single Idea 24121

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature]

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.

Gist of Idea

Greeks might see modern analysis of what is human as impious

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1882-84 [1883], 34[01])

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Fragments from the period of 'Zarathustra' (v 14)', ed/tr. Loeb/Tinsley [Stanford 2019], p.583


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.