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

A distinguished international team of philosophers offer responses to the work of Bernard Williams, followed by the author's reply.New responses to the work of one of the most influential figures in recent ethical theory are included in this collection of works by a distinguished international team of philosophers. Williams' response, in turn, indicates the current directions of his thought, as well as his view of his early work.New responses to the work of one of the most influential figures in recent ethical theory are included in this collection of works by a distinguished international team of philosophers. Williams' response, in turn, indicates the current directions of his thought, as well as his view of his early work.Bernard Williams is one of the most influential figures in recent 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' work give new 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 then provides a substantial reply, which in turn shows both the current directions of his own thought and also his present view of his earlier work (such as that on utilitarianism).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.