In the Beginning Was the Deed: Realism and Moralism in Political Argument
"A splendid expression of Williams's distinctive outlook, which joined a conviction that moral argument is important in politics with an insistence that we keep our eyes firmly fixed on the real political world. . . . [S]harp, funny and incisive."--Thomas Nagel,Times Literary Supplement"In this collection, as in all of his other works, Bernard Williams shows how much more interesting our philosophic reflections on the problems of human life can be when they begin with life's most mundane and unavoidable experiences."--Bernard Yack,Ethics"Characteristically, all of the essays are closely argued, elegantly written, and strongly engaging. The book is a welcome addition to the literatures on the many issues it addresses."--Richard E. Flathman,Perspectives on Politics"This collection of essays is well-written, challenging and highly enjoyable. It has the searching, inquisitive and witty style typical of its author, with scores of ideas and insights briefly alluded to without further development, making for engaging reading."--Chris Nathan,Oxonian Review