Single Idea 2882

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / c. Right and good]

Full Idea

Designation of moral values was everywhere first applied to human beings, and only later and derivatively to actions.

Gist of Idea

Morality originally judged people, and actions only later on

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Beyond Good and Evil [1886], §260)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Beyond Good and Evil', ed/tr. Hollingdale,R.J. [Penguin 1973], p.176


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.