Ridley's overall analysis is clear, thorough, insightful, and plausible. Some of his more stimulating explorations are into the 'good bad conscience' (Ridley's label), the distinction between the ascetic ideal and ascetic procedures, perspectivism, and Nietzsche's 'idealism' and 'the last man.' Most impressive is how Ridley links all these together into a well-defended interpretation of the Genealogy which shows why this book still matters to ethical theory. Displaying great stylistic verve and dazzling analytic lucidity, Nietzsche's Conscience brings back to life the discussion of topics that had become rather tired in recent years. On the Genealogy of Morals has emerged as Nietzsche's most important work for our time, and this is the most illuminating and original reading of the book that I have ever seen.
Henry Staten, author of Nietzsche's Voice Aaron Ridley brings welcome rigor and refreshing wit to his illuminating readings of Nietzche's On the Genealogy of Morals. Nietzche's Conscience comprises the most probing commentary produced thus far on Nietzche's most challenging philosophical book.
Daniel W. Conway, The Pennsylvania State University Nietzsche's Conscience is an important contribution to the reading of Nietzsche. It begins at full tilt.
Philosophical Quarterly
It is rare these days to come across a first-rate book purportedly on Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy, of which the first and foremost concern turns out to indeed be the philosophy of Nietzsche.
Philosophy in Review