more from Bernard Williams

Single Idea 4250

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty]

Full Idea

The concept of a 'duty to myself' is fraudulent.

Gist of Idea

The concept of a 'duty to myself' is fraudulent

Source

Bernard Williams (Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy [1985], Ch.10)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.182


A Reaction

The only person who can offer a rebuttal of this is Aristotle. With the magnet of the Platonic Form of the Good, I can perceive the natural excellences of which I am capable, and feel a duty to pursue them.