Origins & Early Life

Sir Bernard Arthur Owen Williams (21 September 1929 – 10 June 2003) was an English philosopher. His publications include Problems of the Self (1973), Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy (1985), Shame and Necessity (1993), and Truth and Truthfulness (2002). He was knighted in 1999. As Knightbridge Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge and Deutsch Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley, Williams became known for his efforts to reorient the study of moral philosophy to psychology, history, and in particular to the Greeks.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Described by Colin McGinn as an "analytical philosopher with the soul of a general humanist," he was sceptical about attempts to create a foundation for moral philosophy. Martha Nussbaum wrote that he demanded of philosophy that it "come to terms with, and contain, the difficulty and complexity of human life." Williams was a strong supporter of women in academia; according to Nussbaum, he was "as close to being a feminist as a powerful man of his generation could be." He was also famously sharp in conversation. Gilbert Ryle, one of Williams's mentors at Oxford University, said that he "understands what you're going to say better...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• André Previn — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): Versatile American musician, composer, and conductor mastering jazz, film, and classical forms.
• Anne Frank — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): German-born diarist whose secret writings documented life in hiding during the Holocaust.
• Asa Griggs Candler — Contemporary (Died in 1929) (1929): American business magnate and politician, most famous for founding the Coca-Cola Company.
• Alberto Sordi — Contemporary (Died in 2003) (2003): Pillar of Italian Cinema, master of Commedia all'italiana comedy.
• Barry White — Contemporary (Died in 2003) (2003): Iconic R&B, Soul, and Disco Singer known for his powerful bass voice.
• Benny Carter — Contemporary (Died in 2003) (2003): Jazz composer, arranger, and saxophonist known for his long and influential career.
• Abdul Hamid II — Shared historical date (09-21 · Born) (1842): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
• Allen Lane — Shared historical date (09-21 · Born) (1902): Pioneering British publisher who founded Penguin Books, bringing literature to the masses.
• Adolph Zukor — Shared historical date (06-10 · Died) (1976): Pioneering Hungarian-American film producer, co-founder of Paramount Pictures.
• André-Marie Ampère — Shared historical date (06-10 · Died) (1836): Founder of classical electromagnetism; inventor of the solenoid and electrical telegraph.
• 1929 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1929
• September 21 (09-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 21
• 2003 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2003
• June 10 (06-10) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 10