Philosophy reading group: Nietzche's Beyond Good and Evil
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- Start Date: 22 Sep 2025End Date: 24 Nov 2025Mon (Evening): 18:30 - 20:30OnlineFull fee £269.00 Senior fee £269.00 Concession £175.00
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What is the course about?
Beyond Good and Evil, is a one of the greatest, most famous and unsettling works of philosophy. A groundbreaking work that challenges conventional morality, truth, and values, it sets the agenda for much of modern philosophy and critical theory. This reading group offers an opportunity to explore Nietzsche’s critique of traditional philosophy and his vision for a “philosophy of the future.”.
What will we cover?
We will read through the book each week. Each session will focus on key themes such as the rejection of universal morality, the concept of the “will- to- power,” master-slave morality, and Nietzsche’s idea of the “Übermensch.” We will discuss Nietzsche’s bold ideas and their relevance to modern life. Each meeting will cover specific sections from the book, ensuring manageable reading commitments. The tutor will summarise sections, contextualise ideas, and pose questions to spark dialogue and you will be encouraged to share your interpretation, and insights.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
-Grasp Key Themes: e.g. explain concepts such as the “will to power,” master-slave morality, perspectivism, and the “Übermensch.”
-Analyse Nietzsche’s Philosophical Style and Arguments
-Engage with Nietzsche’s Critique of Morality
-Apply Nietzschean Ideas to broader philosophical questions.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The level is introductory. No previous knowledge is assumed and all you need is an interest in the kinds of ideas we will be looking at. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Lively tutor presentations and seminar discussions. The aim is to inform, stimulate and inspire you to think further about the issues we will look at. Suggestions for weekly reading will be provided but this work will not be compulsory. There will be a Google Classroom page available in which all the resources used in the course will be available for you to download.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. You might want to bring note-taking materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HP139 - Philosophy reading group: Slavoj Zizek's The Sublime Object of Ideology will start in January 2025.
Chris teaches, studies and writes about philosophy and many other things. He has taught adult learners for many years and is committed to the view that the subject should be taught in a lively way that stimulates and empowers students, and that relates both to history, culture and society more widely. Most importantly, students should begin to see how philosophy relates to them, and that it is something they can engage in with confidence and success. He has studied at the University of Sheffield, University of East Anglia, Goldsmiths and Roehampton Universites and has a PhD, the subject of which was Hannah Arendt and Kant’s Theory of Reflective Judgment. He is the co-uthor of the Cambridge University Press Book ‘Thinking Through Philosophy’, and has published numerous articles, mainly on philosophical issues. He has a strong interest in politics, history, literature, the visual arts and music and is a keen landscape photographer.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
