Definition

Proper noun: - Bernard Arthur Owen Williams: An English philosopher, widely credited with reviving the field of moral philosophy in the 20th century. He is known for his critiques of utilitarianism and Kantian ethics, and for his work on moral luck, personal identity, and the nature of truthfulness.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The works of Bernard Arthur Owen Williams continue to influence contemporary ethical debates.
  • In his lecture, the professor discussed Bernard Arthur Owen Williams's concept of moral luck.

Advanced Usage

• "Williamsian" (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the philosophical ideas of Bernard Williams.
  • Her argument takes a Williamsian approach to the problem of practical necessity.

Variants and Related Words

• Bernard Williams: A common shortened form of the full name.
  • The book "Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy" is a key text by Bernard Williams.

Synonyms

• Moral philosopher: A philosopher who specializes in ethics.
• Ethicist: An expert in or writer on ethics.

Related Phrases

• Moral luck: A concept famously explored by Williams, referring to the way factors beyond an agent's control can affect moral assessment.
  • The paradox of moral luck was central to Williams's critique of Kant.
• Internal and external reasons: A distinction made by Williams concerning what can count as a reason for a person to act.
  • Williams's argument about internal reasons challenged prevailing theories of motivation.

Noun

1. English philosopher credited with reviving the field of moral philosophy (1929-2003)