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Single Idea 2179

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 6. Motivation for Duty ]

Full Idea

The conception of the moral self as characterless leaves only a limited positive role to other people in one's moral life.

Gist of Idea

If the moral self is seen as characterless, then other people have a very limited role in our moral lives

Source

Bernard Williams (Shame and Necessity [1993], IV - p.95)

Book Ref

Williams,Bernard: 'Shame and Necessity' [California 1994], p.95


The 10 ideas from 'Shame and Necessity'

We judge weakness of will by an assessment after the event is concluded [Williams,B, by Cottingham]
Greek moral progress came when 'virtue' was freed from social status [Williams,B]
The modern idea of duty is unknown in archaic Greece [Williams,B]
Responsibility involves cause, intention, state of mind, and response after the event [Williams,B]
There is only a problem of free will if you think the notion of 'voluntary' can be metaphysically deepened [Williams,B]
There is a problem of evil only if you expect the world to be good [Williams,B]
If reason cannot lead people to good, we must hope they have an internal voice [Williams,B]
In bad actions, guilt points towards victims, and shame to the agent [Williams,B]
If the moral self is seen as characterless, then other people have a very limited role in our moral lives [Williams,B]
It is an absurd Kantian idea that at the limit rationality and freedom coincide [Williams,B]