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Full Idea
The view that the only alternative to the intellect is the will, and the source of ethical conviction is decisions about principles and ways of life, cannot be right; ethical conviction, like any conviction, must to some extent come to you passively.
Gist of Idea
Ethical conviction must be to some extent passive, and can't just depend on the will and decisions
Source
Bernard Williams (Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy [1985], Ch. 9)
Book Ref
Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.169
A Reaction
Seems right. We cannot choose our factual beliefs (look at the sun and believe it is cloudy!). Could I 'decide' that it was right to betray my family just for fun?