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Single Idea 2178

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / g. Moral responsibility ]

Full Idea

In what I have done, the guilt points in one direction towards what has happened to others, and the shame in another direction to what I am.

Gist of Idea

In bad actions, guilt points towards victims, and shame to the agent

Source

Bernard Williams (Shame and Necessity [1993], IV - p.92)

Book Ref

Williams,Bernard: 'Shame and Necessity' [California 1994], p.92


A Reaction

Not convinced. I think shame has the fear of being observed as an inescapable component. Even when alone shame involves imagining what others might think.


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]