Philosophy 100A Spring 2022

FINAL

Write a four-page essay—double-spaced; 12 point font; 1 inch margins—on the following topic, due Friday, June 10th at noon.

In his On the Genealogy of Morality, Nietzsche presents a potent challenge to morality. First, explain this challenge. Second, explain which of the defenders of morality we’ve discussed—Plato, Hobbes, or Kant—you think is best placed to answer it.

Note: in laying out your favored defense of morality, do not just describe the view. Rather, explain how the view is responsive to the particular criticisms that Nietzsche levels. If Plato or Hobbes or Kant were faced with these criticisms, what might he say in reply?