Nietzsche's Women

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, ultimately, Nietzsche has little important insight to offer on the subject of women, a disappointing oversight from a philosopher who repeatedly offered such perceptive and daring views on many important subjects. The author points out that Nietzsche argues that much of a woman's philosophy becomes distorted, including the maternal instinct, and that a woman's desire for children ultimately becomes a way for the woman to make up for her sexual indiscretions. The paper relates that Nietzsche reveals sexist attitudes in the terms that he uses to refer to women, which include cows, cats, and birds. This was an especially strong insult in the language of the time, which saw these creatures as lower animals that were far inferior to man in many important ways, including the use of reason and intellect.

From the Paper:

"Despite the clear disapproval of the racist and sexist aspects of his work, Nietzsche has nonetheless made a clear and important contribution to both modern philosophy and to the culture of the modern western world. His often-quoted idea of the "superman", his views on the will to power, and his shattering statement that God is dead, have made an undeniable impact on the political and social landscape of Europe and North America. He is one of the rare philosophers whose name sparks instant recognition in almost any North American, a true testament to the lasting power of his ideals, and the degree to which work has infiltrated modern life."

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