Title: Nihilism on Nietzsche’s Critique of Morality

in the Light of St. Thomas Aquinas:

Introduction: In this narrative report, we will delve into Friedrich Nietzsche's critique of
morality through the lens of St. Thomas Aquinas's philosophy. We will explore the concept
of nihilism that Nietzsche introduced, and examine its implications for moral values and the
human condition from an Aquinasian perspective.

Chapter 1:
Understanding Nietzsche's Nihilism: Friedrich Nietzsche, a 19th-century German
philosopher, challenged traditional moral values in his works, particularly in his book
"Thus Spoke Zarathustra." Nietzsche believed that life's meaning had been stripped away
due to the decline of religious faith and the rise of rationalism. He coined the term
"nihilism," which he believed described a state of existence devoid of inherent meaning or
values.

Chapter 2:
Nietzsche's Critique of Morality: Nietzsche contended that morality, as rooted in religion
and upheld by society, repressed individual potential and creativity. He criticized Christian
morality for promoting otherworldly ideals, denying acceptance of one's earthly desires,
and creating a herd mentality. Nietzsche argued that moral values, as traditionally
understood, were baseless and arbitrary impositions.

Chapter 3:
Aquinas's Perspective: St. Thomas Aquinas, a medieval philosopher and theologian,
approached morality from a different standpoint. For Aquinas, moral values were not
arbitrary but had their foundation in the nature of God, which he believed could be
discovered through reasoning. Aquinas asserted that humans possess an innate human
nature that is oriented towards goodness, truth, and beauty.

Chapter 4:
Nihilism and Divine Law: Aquinas's concept of Divine Law stands in stark contrast to
Nietzsche's nihilistic view of morality. Divine Law, according to Aquinas, is an expression of
God's eternal law in the natural and moral order. It provides a basis for objective moral
values and serves as a guide for human conduct. Aquinas argued that a rejection of Divine
Law would result in moral confusion and undermine human flourishing.
Chapter 5:
Overcoming Nihilism: While Nietzsche saw nihilism as an inescapable consequence of the
loss of religious faith, Aquinas provided an alternative path to transcending nihilism.
Aquinas believed that humans could find meaning and purpose through a proper
understanding of their relationship with God and by living in accordance with the moral
order established by Divine Law.

Conclusion: In this narrative report, we have explored the concept of nihilism presented
by Nietzsche in his critique of morality. We have compared Nietzsche's views with the
perspective of St. Thomas Aquinas, highlighting their differences and implications for moral
values. While Nietzsche saw the decline of traditional moral values as inevitable, Aquinas
provided a framework rooted in Divine Law to reestablish objective moral values and
overcome nihilism. By understanding these perspectives, we gain a deeper insight into the
philosophical debates surrounding morality and the human condition.
NARRATIVE REPORT

SUMMITED BY: ORTIZ, JOSHUA

SUBMITTED TO: EDILBERT G. DANDO

HUMSS 11-EXCELLENCE
SUBJECT:INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF THE
HUMAN PERSON