The Valmy
Adrian Moore on Bernard Williams on Ethics
Jun 12, 2020
Adrian Moore, an Oxford professor, delves into the philosophical legacy of Bernard Williams, a leading figure in ethics. They discuss Williams' critiques of utilitarianism, using thought experiments to illustrate the complexities of moral decision-making. Moore highlights the distinction between ethics and morality, emphasizing a broader, more nuanced understanding of human existence. Additionally, they explore cultural relativism and the challenge of applying universal moral standards across diverse societies, underscoring the intricate nature of ethical evaluations.
21:32
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Quick takeaways
- Bernard Williams critiques moral theories like utilitarianism for oversimplifying the complexities of moral decision-making and human experience.
- He emphasizes the distinction between ethics and morality, advocating for a holistic approach that considers cultural values and personal commitments.
Deep dives
Bernard Williams and Anti-Theoretical Philosophy
Bernard Williams, a prominent English philosopher, is recognized for his critical stance towards moral theories, particularly utilitarianism. He believed that such systematic frameworks oversimplify the complex nature of moral decisions. Williams argued that utilitarianism relied on an overly crude conception of welfare and that moral choices cannot be easily derived from mere calculations of happiness. By emphasizing the intricacies of morality, he challenged conventional notions, asserting that moral philosophies should respect life’s complexity rather than impose simplified decision-making procedures.
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