Single Idea 22409

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 3. Universalisability]

Full Idea

If the goodness of the world were to consist in people's fulfilling their obligations, it would by no means follow that one of my obligations was to bring it about that other people kept their obligations

Gist of Idea

We don't have a duty to ensure that others do their duty

Source

Bernard Williams (A Critique of Utilitarianism [1973], 2)

Book Reference

Smart,J./Williams,B.: 'Utilitarianism For and Against' [CUP 1978], p.89


A Reaction

If the maxim of my action is 'ensure that everyone does their duty', presumably that can be universalised. Nelson thought so. It just sounds like a hideous world of self-righteous interference.