Full Idea
How can an 'I' that has taken on the perspective of impartiality be left with enough identity to live a life that respects its own interests?
Gist of Idea
If the self becomes completely impartial, it no longer has enough identity to worry about its interests
Source
Bernard Williams (Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy [1985], Ch. 4)
Book Reference
Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.69
A Reaction
Not a big problem. Thought constantly flips between objective and subjective, as Nagel has shown us. Compare Nagel in Idea 6446.
Related Idea
Idea 6446 In ethics we abstract from our identity, but not from our humanity [Nagel]