ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Master–slave morality

Master-slave morality is a concept used to describe different ways that people think about what is good and bad. A master is someone who is in charge or has power over others, while a slave is someone who is under the power of someone else. In terms of morality, a master might believe that what is good is what helps them maintain their power and control over others, while a slave might believe that what is good is what helps them overcome their oppression and gain independence.

For example, imagine you and your friend are playing a game. If you win, you might feel good because you are the master of the game and you have power over your friend. If your friend wins, they might feel good because they have overcome your power and shown that they are capable in the game. These attitudes can extend to other areas of life, such as relationships and politics.

Master morality values power, strength, and individualism, while slave morality values compassion, empathy, and cooperation. Both perspectives can be helpful in different situations, but it is important to recognize how they influence our beliefs and behaviors.