Beyond Good And Evil

Nietzsche introduces his concept of the “Will to Truth” (5), a problem that is set before all, and the author questions the precise nature of this will to truth. Not only is the problem of the will to truth the principal obstacle but also the very nature of truth is at stake. The fundamental tenet held by all philosophers is “the belief in antitheses of values” (6), and this is itself a prejudice. The whole logical procedure of every philosopher of every age is this system of belief in antitheses, of the existence of opposites in the realm of truth. This fundamental belief must be put to trial.

When truth is seen as a matter of yes/no propositions where there is either truth or falsehood, then reality is not seen clearly. We must recognize that untruth is simply a matter of course. However, a philosophy that is willing to push this traditional mode of thinking to the side is one that is able to place itself “beyond good and evil” (8). The fact that most philosophers seem unable or unwilling to do this makes the public view them with suspicion and mockery. Kant makes himself a spectacle and Spinoza works his magic on the unwitting by means of almost mathematical, logical ethics.