Friedrich Nietzsche believed institutionalized punishment hardened people, increased a feeling of estrangement and ultimately, strengthened the power of resistance.
The concept is fully explored in “On the Genealogy of Morality,” the work that most academics hold as the German philosopher’s magnum opus.
As the Canadian government makes major changes to its prostitution and Internet laws, the topic of crime and punishment is under the microscope, making Nietzsche’s 123-year-old thoughts on the provocative subject timelier than ever. Nietzsche’s major work will be examined Wednesday, Oct. 6 as the first of a four-part weekly lecture series, Themes in European Philosophers, offered by Western’s Department of Philosophy and the London Public Library.
Western associate professor Dennis Klimchuk will present at 7 p.m. in Stevenson & Hunt Room A, the Central Library (251 Dundas Street).
The complete schedule can be found here.