Single Idea 23279

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character]

Full Idea

I want to emphasise the basic importance of the ordinary idea of a self or person which undergoes changes of character, as opposed to dissolving a changing person into a series of 'selves'.

Gist of Idea

It is important that a person can change their character, and not just be successive 'selves'

Source

Bernard Williams (Persons, Character and Morality [1976], II)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Moral Luck: Papers 1973-1980' [CUP 1981], p.5


A Reaction

[compressed] He mentions Derek Parfit for the rival view. Williams has the Aristotelian view, that a person has an essential nature, which endures through change, and explains that change. But that needs some non-essential character traits.