Normatively demanding creatures : Hobbes, the Fall & individual responsibility

Williams, Garrath (2000) Normatively demanding creatures : Hobbes, the Fall & individual responsibility. Res Publica, 6 (3). pp. 301-319. ISSN 1356-4765

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Abstract

This paper explores an internal relation between wrong-doing and the ability to think in moral terms, through Hobbes’ thought. I use his neglected retelling of our ‘original sin’ as a springboard, seeing how we then discover a need to vindicate our own projects in terms shared by others. We become normatively demanding creatures: greedy for normative vindication, eager to judge others amid the difficulties of our world. However there is, of course, no choice for us but to choose our own principles of judgment, or at least some authority to provide these. Unconvinced by Hobbes’ remedies, I conclude with one implication for moral philosophy@ a need to look rather differently at agency and responsibility.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Res Publica
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1200/1211
Subjects:
?? agencyhobbesmoral conflictresponsibilityphilosophylaw ??
ID Code:
74016
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
18 Jun 2015 05:59
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 15:14