Morality and Agency: Themes from Bernard Williams

Bernard Williams (1929-2003) was a influential philosopher who developed innovative ideas in ethics. This edited volume explores his theories on moral obligation, emotions, history, freedom, and responsibility, challenging the morality system's assumptions and offering new perspectives. Contributors include well-known scholars, providing a broad appeal to ethicists and moral philosophers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Bernard Williams (1929-2003) was a towering figure in 20th-century philosophy, leaving an indelible mark on the field. This edited collection showcases fresh perspectives from esteemed scholars, delving into the groundbreaking ideas and methodologies that shaped Williams's unique ethical outlook.

The first section explores Williams's audacious attempts to venture beyond the boundaries of what he termed the morality system. The contributors shed light on how, through a rigorous critique of this system, Williams discovered innovative ways to conceptualize moral obligation, the significance of morally relevant emotions like shame, the relevance of philosophical history, and how these novel perspectives interconnected with his groundbreaking metaethical ideas concerning the scope and boundaries of moral knowledge.

In the second section, contributors delve into Williams's profound discussions on freedom and responsibility, the role of luck in our moral lives, and the reasons why agents can be said to possess these qualities. Williams's concerns about the morality system remain prominent throughout this section. For instance, Williams expressed skepticism about the feasibility of grounding our responsibility practices and the concept of free will with which they are associated. However, as several contributors demonstrate, Williams's skepticism primarily stems from the morality system's discomfort with luck. Williams presents a more vindictive narrative about the possibilities for freedom and responsibility once these concepts are liberated from the assumptions of this system.

This volume features a stellar cast of renowned contributors, each offering their unique insights into Williams's work. Additionally, the editors provide an introduction that situates Williams's contributions within the broader context of philosophical discourse, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. Whether you are an established scholar or a newcomer to the field, this volume is a valuable resource for exploring the rich tapestry of Bernard Williams's philosophical legacy.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 243 x 161 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197626566