The passing of Professor Foot, and my (uncontroversial) description of her as one of the "towering figures" of post-WWII moral philosophy, led to some interesting correspondence with various readers about late great figures in moral philosophy from the preceding century. So the only way to adjudicate such weighty matters, of course, is with a poll. Have fun! And note: I've included only late greats, no living greats in the poll.
UPDATE: So with more than 500 votes cast since yesterday, here is the current top ten:
1. Bernard Williams (Condorcet winner: wins contests with all other choices) |
2. G.E. Moore loses to Bernard Williams by 240–224 |
3. G.E.M. Anscombe loses to Bernard Williams by 296–158, loses to G.E. Moore by 280–164 |
4. Philippa Foot loses to Bernard Williams by 316–134, loses to G.E.M. Anscombe by 238–196 |
5. R.M. Hare loses to Bernard Williams by 318–130, loses to Philippa Foot by 253–178 |
6. W.D. Ross loses to Bernard Williams by 307–125, loses to R.M. Hare by 204–193 |
7. John Dewey loses to Bernard Williams by 340–88, loses to W.D. Ross by 223–152 |
8. Richard B. Brandt loses to Bernard Williams by 351–39, loses to John Dewey by 192–126 |
9. Charles L. Stevenson loses to Bernard Williams by 367–43, loses to Richard B. Brandt by 150–143 |
10. H.A. Prichard loses to Bernard Williams by 359–41, loses to Charles L. Stevenson by 160–140 |
I'll open comments for discussion of the results either later this week or next week.
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