Nietzsche: A Very Short Introduction

by Tanner, Michael

• ISBN13: 9780192854148
• ISBN10: 0192854143
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-02-01
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects -- from Islam to Sociology, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume provides trenchant and provocative -- yet always balanced and complete -- discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject developed and how it influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all readers an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever area of study one deems important or appealing, whatever topic fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.Niccolo Machiavelli taught that political leaders must be prepared to do evil that good may come of it, and his name has been a byword ever since for duplicity and immorality. Is his sinister reputation deserved? In answering this question Quentin Skinner focuses on three major works, The Prince, the Discourses, and The History of Florence, and distills from them an introduction to Machiavelli of exemplary clarity.

Author Biography

Michael Tanner is Fellow and University Lecturer in Philosophy at Corpus Christi College.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations	viii
The Image of Nietzsche	1	(6)
Tragedy: Birth, Death, Rebirth	7	(14)
Disillusionment and Withdrawal	21	(9)
Morality and its Discontents	30	(14)
The One Thing Needful	44	(9)
Prophecy	53	(14)
Occupying the High Ground	67	(14)
Masters and Slaves	81	(8)
Philosophizing with a Hammer	89	(4)
Postlude: Nietzsche and Life Insurance	93	(12)
References	105	(2)
Further Reading	107	(2)
A Note on Translations	109	(1)
Index	110