Single Idea 4121

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 3. Universalisability]

Full Idea

Why should I think of myself as a legislator and at the same time a citizen of a republic governed by some notional laws?

Gist of Idea

Why should I think of myself as both the legislator and the citizen who follows the laws?

Source

Bernard Williams (Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy [1985], Ch. 4)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.63


A Reaction

Kant's answer is supposed to be 'because you are rational, and hence must want consistency'. If we were all rational, Kant would be right.