64

This paper aims at showing that Nietzsche’s conception of anti-utilitarianism involves neither a reject, nor a disdainful attitude, but the confrontation between the notions of utility and will to power. Nietzsche’s purpose is to distinguish his position from the apparent proximity of a similar one on the source of ethics. He achieves this by systematically associating the value of utility with his conception of the will to power. So the utilitarians turn out to be pivotal figure both for the part of their view Nietzsche rejects, and for the aspect of their view he embraces. Nietzsche’s anti-utilitarianism reverses the ethical pursuit of happiness by examining the pursuit of power - and powerlessness - which lies hidden under its axiology.