Single Idea 4122

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

Full Idea

How can an 'I' that has taken on the perspective of impartiality be left with enough identity to live a life that respects its own interests?

Gist of Idea

If the self becomes completely impartial, it no longer has enough identity to worry about its interests

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.69


A Reaction

Not a big problem. Thought constantly flips between objective and subjective, as Nagel has shown us. Compare Nagel in Idea 6446.

Related Idea

Idea 6446 In ethics we abstract from our identity, but not from our humanity [Nagel]