more from Bernard Williams

Single Idea 4246

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 7. Existential Action]

Full Idea

If ethics is a matter of decision, and we must face the responsibility and burden of those decisions, this ignores the obvious point that if we are uncertain, then we are uncertain what to decide.

Gist of Idea

Taking responsibility won't cure ethical uncertainty by; we are uncertain what to decide

Source

Bernard Williams (Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy [1985], Ch. 9)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.170


A Reaction

Good point. The defence would be that the decision itself contains the seeds of certainty. Do something rather than nothing, and the sense of it will emerge. Modify as you go along.