Single Idea 4132

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature]

Full Idea

The category of person is a poor foundation for ethical thought, because it looks like a sortal or classificatory notion while in fact it signals characteristics that almost all come in degrees (responsibility, self-reflection etc).

Clarification

A 'sortal' is something with a separate identity, which can be counted

Gist of Idea

The category of person is a weak basis for ethics, because it is not fixed but comes in degrees

Source

Bernard Williams (Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy [1985], Ch. 6)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.114


A Reaction

On the contrary, it must be the basis of moral theory, and its shifting character is strong support for Aristotle's approach to moral growth and responsibility.