back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 3236

[from 'The Idea of Equality' by Bernard Williams, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / h. Respect ]

Full Idea

A highly rational, efficient and unmitigated application of the idea of equality of opportunity, while abandoning the idea of equality of respect as vague and nostalgic, would lead to a quite inhuman society.

Gist of Idea

Equality of opportunity without equality of respect would create a very inhuman society

Source

Bernard Williams (The Idea of Equality [1962], §3)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Problems of the Self: Papers 1956-1972' [CUP 1979], p.248