World, Mind, and Ethics
Essays on the Ethical Philosophy of Bernard Williams

A distinguished international team of philosophers offer responses to the work of Bernard Williams, followed by the author's reply.

J. E. J. Altham (Edited by), Ross Harrison (Edited by)

9780521360241, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 April 1995

238 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.52 kg

Bernard Williams is one of the most influential figures in ethical theory, where he has set a considerable part of the current agenda. In this collection a distinguished international team of philosophers who have been stimulated by Williams's work give responses to it. The topics covered include equality; consistency; comparisons between science and ethics; integrity; moral reasons; the moral system; and moral knowledge. Williams himself provides a substantial reply, which shows both the directions of his own thought and also his present view of earlier work of his which has been extensively discussed for twenty years (such as that on utilitarianism). This volume will be indispensable reading for all those interested in ethical theory.

Introduction J. E. J. Altham and Ross Harrison
1. The idea of equality revisited Jon Elster
2. Is the idea of purely internal consistency of choice bizarre? Amartya Sen
3. Science, ethics, and objectivity Nicholas Jardine
4. Fallibilism and objectivity: science and ethics Christopher Hookway
5. Might there be external reasons? John McDowell
6. Aristotle on human nature and the foundations of ethics Martha C. Nussbaum
7. A most peculiar institution Charles Taylor
8. Reflection and confidence J. E. J. Altham
9. The shape of a life Martin Hollis
10. Replies Bernard Williams
Index.

Subject Areas: Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]