Nietzsche and the limits of genealogical critique

Nietzsche presents genealogical critique as a tool for promoting human flourishing, which might suggest that he regarded it as unconditionally beneficial. However, I argue that Nietzsche suggests that genealogy can sometimes detract from flourishing, and that its use must therefore be constrained. At present, discussion of the constraints that apply to genealogy tends to focus on social class. According to what I call the Elitist reading, Nietzsche intends genealogical critique to be used exclusively by higher individuals, and he correspondingly opposes its use by the herd. By contrast, defenders of what I call the Inclusivist reading claim that he places no limits on who should practice genealogical critique. Although both views have textual support, I argue that each is inadequate. Drawing on Nietzsche’s broader theoretical commitments, I contend that the capacity of genealogy to promote flourishing depends not only on who is employing this tool but also on when and under what cultural and historical conditions they are doing so.