Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present a reading of the philosophy of Bernard Williams starting from what he says about the role the subject covers in moral reflection. This perspective allows to survey a series of arguments that may appear separated and independent as aspects of a coherent whole. Having the moral subject as a starting-point, the essay examines first Williams' criticisms of utilitarianism and kantianism; then the role that moral luck plays in ethics, especially with reference to the concept of moral responsibility; and finally the importance of shame, in particular compared to guilt.