Socratism and the Morality of Plato

Nietzsche (1886) writes that Plato's philosophy there was an element of morality that did not originate from himself. This element is the presence of Socratism which is the belief that all evil is done unwittingly. Plato did not believe that entirely. Socrtatism theorized that man is only evil because of ignorance, but if someone frees him of this ignorance he will not do evil. Nietzsche (1886) writes that this mode of reasoning is simplistic and appeals to the masses. He also states in his writing that any system of utilitarianism can be traced back to the theory that it is stupid to do wrong and that good is synonymous with "useful and pleasant" (Nietzsche 1886).

Plato tried to interpret something refined and noble into the tenets of his teacher, but he was ultimately unsuccessful. He was too far removed from the common people to understand their way of thinking. As a result, his interpretation of Socrates was distorted and unrealistic.

The Platonic Socrates

• The Platonic Socrates is a fictional character created by Plato. He is a wise man who uses questions and logic to help people learn and grow. He is always changing his approach, depending on the person he is talking to. This ability to shapeshift is what makes him so powerful. He is able to get inside the minds of his interlocutors and help them to see things in a new light.

• The Platonic Socrates is a reflection of Plato himself. Plato was a complex and multifaceted thinker, and he was always searching for new ways to understand the world. The Platonic Socrates is a manifestation of this search, and he represents Plato's attempt to capture the essence of human wisdom.

Nietzsche's critique is insightful and thought-provoking. However, it is important to note that it is just one perspective on Plato's philosophy. There are many other ways to interpret Plato's work, and not everyone agrees with Nietzsche's assessment.

For example, some scholars argue that Plato's morality is not simplistic at all, but is instead complex and sophisticated. They point to the fact that Plato's dialogues often explore the nuances of moral decision-making, and that he does not always offer easy answers.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they agree with Nietzsche's critique of Plato's morality. However, the blog post you have provided provides a useful starting point for thinking about this issue.

Some additional thoughts on Nietzsche's critique of Plato's morality:

• Nietzsche's critique of Plato's morality is based on his own philosophy, which is often critical of traditional morality. Nietzsche believes that morality is often used to control and manipulate people, and that it can be harmful to individual freedom.
• Plato's philosophy is often seen as being more optimistic than Nietzsche's. Plato believes that it is possible to achieve a just and harmonious society, and that this can be done through education and reason.

The debate between Nietzsche and Plato is still relevant today. There is no easy answer to the question of whether or not morality is simplistic or complex. It is a complex issue that has been debated by philosophers for centuries.

References

Nietzsche, F. W. (1886). Beyond Good and Evil. Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-71494

 

Nietzsche and "Fasting"

Nietzsche (1886) wrote that industrious races often find it difficult to be idle. He also mentions that the English made Sunday a day of rest to look forward to the work week ahead. Nietzsche saw this as a fast similar to those found in ancient cultures. He felt that a fast was defined as "powerful habits and influences were controlled through periods of restraint" (Nietzsche 1886). Nietzsche (1886) saw fasting as not being limited to food and that it also referred to abstaining from certain impulses or habits, which purified and sharpened them.

Nietzsche also wrote that fasting had been practiced by religious and philosophical groups throughout history as a way to control impulses and purify the mind. He believed that fasting could help to reduce cravings and distractions, and provide an opportunity for introspection and reflection. He mentions the Stoics in ancient Greece who believed that the key to happiness was to live in accordance with nature, and how they believed that fasting could help to strengthen their willpower and discipline.

Nietzsche (1886) also wrote that this fasting concept could be applied to love and the sexual impulse. He writes that during the Christian period of European history, because of the pressure of Christian sentiments, the urge for sex was modified into a more socially acceptable form called love. Nietzsche (1886) wrote that this was a form of fasting, where the impulse is controlled and refined. In other words, he was saying that by fasting from instant sexual gratification, the impulse would be more refined in the form of love. This fasting of instant sexual gratification would lead to a deeper and more meaningful relationship between two people.

In conclusion, Nietzsche was claiming that fasting could be a powerful tool, not just in relation to eating. By taking a break from certain behaviors, we actually have time to reflect and sharpen our minds.

References

Nietzsche, F. W. (1886). Beyond Good and Evil. Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-71494

 

Suicide Prevention Month in September 988

988 TEXT OR CALL FROM MOBILE HOME TO SPEAK TO A COUNSELOR ABOUT SUICIDE
 

If you are struggling with depression and or suicidal ideation then reach out to someone. Here are some ways that I found on the web for you to start the conversation(Crisis Journal, n.d.):

• When you get a chance can you contact me? I feel really alone and suicidal, and could use some support.

• I don’t want to die, but I don't know how to live. Talking with you may help me feel safe. Are you free to talk?
•  This is really hard for me to say but I’m having painful thoughts and it might help to talk. Are you free?
• I’m struggling right now and just need to talk to someone — can we chat?

  

 

References

Crisis Journal. (n.d.). IASP. Retrieved August 30, 2023, from https://www.iasp.info/crisis-journal/

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The Tyranny of Morality

In a passage from Beyond Good and Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche (1886) argues that systems of morality are a form of tyranny. He says that morality is a set of rules that tells us what we should and should not do, and that these rules are often arbitrary and unreasonable.

Nietzsche (1886) argues that morality is a form of tyranny because it restricts our freedom. He says that we are naturally free creatures, but that morality prevents us from expressing our true nature. For example, morality might tell us that we should not lie, even if lying would be beneficial in a particular situation. This restriction on our freedom is what Nietzsche means by "tyranny."

Nietzsche (1886) also argues that morality is a form of stupidity. He says that morality is based on false beliefs about the world, such as the belief that there is such a thing as "good" and "evil." These false beliefs lead us to make bad decisions, such as when we sacrifice our own happiness in order to follow the rules of morality.

Nietzsche concludes by saying that we should reject morality. He says that we should live our lives according to our own values, rather than according to the values of others. He also says that we should be willing to challenge the status quo, even if it means breaking the rules of morality.

Here are some additional thoughts on Nietzsche's view of morality:

• Nietzsche thinks that morality is a human invention. It's a set of rules we make up to help us live together in society. But these rules aren't objective truths. They're just tools we use to achieve our own goals.

• Nietzsche argues that we shouldn't let morality dictate our lives. We should be free to make our own choices, even if those choices go against the rules of morality. This doesn't mean that we should do whatever we want, regardless of the consequences. It simply means that we shouldn't let other people's moral beliefs tell us what to do.

• Nietzsche thinks we should create our own values, rather than following the values of others. He believes that we should strive to become "overmen," or individuals who are strong, creative, and independent. He believes that we should embrace life and all its challenges, rather than trying to avoid suffering.

• Nietzsche's view of morality is a challenge to our traditional way of thinking about right and wrong. It forces us to think critically about our own moral beliefs and to question whether they are really serving us in the best way possible.

References

 Nietzsche, F. W. (1886). Beyond Good and Evil. Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-71494