How to be good

Abstract

This article explores the moral philosophy of Derek Parfit, who is considered by many to be the most original thinker in the field. Parfit argues that the self is not a fixed entity but rather a product of our memories, experiences, and dispositions. He also believes that there are objective moral truths, independent of human perception, which can be discovered through a combination of intuition and critical reasoning. Parfit’s work has been met with both admiration and skepticism, and the article examines his ideas in light of the views of other prominent philosophers, such as Bernard Williams, Immanuel Kant, and Henry Sidgwick. Parfit’s search for moral truths and his unique perspective on the nature of the self are presented in the context of his personal life and intellectual journey, which are described in detail. – AI-generated abstract.