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How one becomes what one is called on the relation between traits and trait-terms in Nietzsche
Alfano, Mark
Alfano, Mark
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Abstract
According to Nietzsche, drives are the ultimate constituents of virtues and vices. I argue that Nietzsche identifies two blueprints for character construction: a slavish, interpersonal blueprint, and a masterly, reflexive blueprint. When the interpersonal blueprint is implemented, a person becomes what he is called: his drives are shaped by the traits ascribed to him so that he becomes more like the sort of person he's taken to be. When the reflexive blueprint is implemented, a person becomes more like the sort of person she calls herself: her drives are shaped by the traits she ascribes to herself in a community of peers. The reflexive blueprint shares some surprising similarities with the interpersonal blueprint. I conclude with an account of Nietzschean summoning, which occurs when one person praises a generic type to an audience, implicitly inviting them to identify with that type and thereby to become more like it.
Keywords
character, virtue, slavishness, materliness, self-fulfilling prophecy
Date
2015
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Nietzsche Studies
Book
Volume
46
Issue
2
Page Range
261-269
Article Number
ACU Department
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Open Access Status
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Controlled