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Single Idea 4249

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

Full Idea

"Ought implies can" is a famous formula in connection with moral obligation.

Gist of Idea

"Ought implies can" is a famous formula in connection with moral obligation

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.175


A Reaction

Williams says it is true in particular instances, but is not generally true of 'ought'. Maybe you 'ought' before you know whether you 'can'.