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Single Idea 24350

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / f. Altruism]

Full Idea

What does it mean that the well-being of my neighbour should be of higher value to me than my own? That, however, the neighbour should assess the value of his well-being other than I do, namely that he should simply place my well-being above it?

Gist of Idea

Should I value my neighbour higher than me, and my neighbour value me higher than themselves?

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Fragments from 1886-87 (v 17) [1887], 7[06])

A Reaction

Has Nietzsche fallen into the Kantian trap that says morality should be consistent. This idea is what I call the 'paradox of altruism', that everyone values others higher than themselves, and also that suffering is what promotes altruism.

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Fragments from 1886-87 (v 17)', ed/tr. Leiner, George H. [Stanford 2025], p.87