Friedrich Nietzsche's On The Genealogy Of Morals - A Critique Of Moral Values (6 week course)

study this key text of late modern Western philosophy, setting out interpretations of origins, development, and contestations of moral values (starts August 31)

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an invitation to join me in studying Nietzsche


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Join us for a 6-week intensive study of a massively important and influential text of late modern philosophy, Friedrich Nietzsche's On The Genealogy of Morals. One of Nietzsche's more systematic works, the Genealogy deepens his discussions of key concepts including the origins of moral values, contrasts between rival valuations, the reactive dynamic of ressentiment, the challenges posed by nihilism, impacts of the state and religion on human cultures, the purposes and functions of punishment, prospects for philosophy and science, and the meaning of ascetic values

Enrolling in this class means you get to systematically study what Nietzsche has to say about these matters in the Genealogy with an expert guide who has been studying, teaching, and writing about these topics for over two and a half decades!

Tuition for the course includes the class sessions, access to discussion forums, downloadable handouts and worksheets, and other useful resources.

The course meets weekly on Saturdays, at 10:00 AM Central Time, starting on August 31. All of the course sessions will be recorded so students can review them at their leisure, and as many times as they would like.

We will be studying, exploring, discussing, and applying important and useful ideas drawn from the course text. Key ideas students will develop a solid understanding of questions, problems, and issues that include:

  • Understanding Nietzsche as a philosopher
  • The Genealogy in context of Nietzsche’s works
  • Genealogy’s meaning in terms of philosophical method
  • The original valuation of Good vs Bad
  • The slave revolt in morality and the valuation Evil vs Good
  • The dynamic of ressentiment
  • The multiple purposes and functions of punishment
  • The rise of the community and the state
  • The origins and development of religions
  • Philosophers fondness for ascetic ideals
  • The ascetic ideal, life, and morbidity
  • The mission of the ascetic priest
  • ·Whether "free spirits" are really free


Philosophy classics always intimidated me. I couldn't follow a lot of it, and I did not get much out of reading. When I went to study with Dr. Greg Sadler, he helped me read the works in pieces while helping me understand. The best part is, he encouraged me to think about how some of these ancient ideas could be applied into my own life. I found him very personable, and kind. Absolutely fantastic mentor! - Scott Tarulli

"Studying philosophy is rewarding but can also be challenging and lonely. Dr Sadler makes classical and modern texts approachable and accessible, while his classes bring me into conversation with fellow learners. His teaching has not only given me intellectual understanding but also a better appreciation for how I can put philosophy into practice." - Marc Smit

Your Instructor


Gregory B. Sadler
Gregory B. Sadler

After a successful career as a college professor, researcher, and administrator, I started our company, ReasonIO (with my wife and partner, Andi Sciacca) in order to help people study and apply philosophy in public, practical, and professional contexts. I continue teaching philosophy, literature, religious studies, and humanities courses at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

I take difficult philosophical texts, thinkers, and topics, and make them accessible for everyday people. That's how philosophy gets traction and remains closely connected with real life! The work I do with ReasonIO includes online course development and teaching, public speaking, organizational and ethics consulting, tutorial sessions, development of philosophy content, and philosophical counseling.

My work and expertise covers a wide range of topics, thinkers, and texts in western philosophy, ranging through ancient, medieval, modern, and late modern periods. Among the schools, movements, and traditions I draw upon are Platonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, Patristic and Medieval Christian thought, Dialectical thought, Existentialism, Critical Theory, and Philosophy as a Way of Life.

From 2016 to 2022, I served as the Editor of Stoicism Today. I remain a member of the Modern Stoicism, ltd. team. I am also the producer of the Half Hour Hegel series, which is nearing its completion. I have authored one book (Reason Fulfilled By Revelation), edited two volumes (Stoicism Today Selected Essays, volume 3 and volume 4), and published dozens of articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia entries. Although I work in significant part outside of the academy, I remain actively engaged in research and scholarship.

In recent years, I have held a Research Residency at the Institute for Saint Anselm Studies, been a Visiting Scholar position at European Graduate School, and was a Charles Chesnutt Library Fellow. I am also an APPA-certified Philosophical Counselor.


Course Curriculum


  Introduction To This Course
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  Our Text(s) For This Course
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  Link For and Recordings Of Class Sessions
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  Week 1 - Overview Of Genealogy, the Preface, and Approaches To Studying
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  Week 2 - The First Treatise: "Good and Evil", "Good and Bad"
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  Week 3 - The Second Treatise: "Guilt, Bad Conscience, and Related Matters"
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  Week 4 - The Third Treatise: "What Do Ascetic Ideals Mean?" (part 1)
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  Week 5 - The Third Treatise: "What Do Ascetic Ideals Mean?" (part 2)
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  Week 6 - Wrapping Up And Deepening Study Of The Genealogy
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts officially on Saturday, August 31 with our first class session, but you can start exploring the course site as soon as you have enrolled. The class sessions end on Saturday, October 5, but you retain lifetime access to the course, its resources, and the recordings of class sessions
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
Can a beginner to Friedrich Nietzsche (or even Philosophy) take this class?
You don't need to have already studied Friedrich Nietzsche, or his text On The Genealogy of Morals. That's what the class is for - introducing students to Nietzsche's thought, works, and key ideas Whether you're a complete beginner or an intermediate student with some background in philosophy, you'll get a lot out of this class!

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