more from Bernard Williams

Single Idea 23280

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character]

Full Idea

The Kantians' omission of character is a condition of their ultimate insistence on the demands of impartial morality, just as it is a reason to find inadequate their account of the individual.

Gist of Idea

Kantians have an poor account of individuals, and insist on impartiality, because they ignore character

Source

Bernard Williams (Persons, Character and Morality [1976], II)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Moral Luck: Papers 1973-1980' [CUP 1981], p.14


A Reaction

This is also why the Kantian account of virtue is inadequate, in comparison with the Aristotelian view.

Related Idea

Idea 21414 The supreme principle of virtue is to find universal laws for ends [Kant]