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Single Idea 4110

[from 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' by Bernard Williams, in 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty ]

Full Idea

Obligation and duty look backwards; the acts they require lie in the future, but the reasons for those acts lie in the fact that I have already promised, the job I have undertaken, the position I am already in.

Gist of Idea

Obligation and duty look backwards (because of a promise or job), although the acts are in the future

Source

Bernard Williams (Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy [1985], Ch. 1)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.8


A Reaction

Maybe the central issue in morality is forwards versus backwards. It reflects two types of human temperament. Tomorrow is another day. Spilt milk.