Bernard Williams

Bernard Williams was a British philosopher known for his influential thoughts on personal identity, ethics, and political legitimacy. He questioned how we understand ourselves over time, arguing that personal identity is tied to our experiences and narratives rather than just physical continuity. In meta-ethics, he criticized utilitarianism, emphasizing the importance of individual moral experiences. In normative ethics, he highlighted the significance of moral integrity and personal commitments. Regarding political legitimacy, he examined how power and authority should respect individual identities and moral values, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of justice and governance that honors personal narratives and contexts.