ABSTRACT
There have been two recent and powerful attempts to counter the theory of negative responsibility. Bernard Williams’s essay, A Critique of Utilitarianism, argues against consequentialism largely by indicating ways in which a certain view of moral problems and dilemmas reveals the inadequacy of utilitarian solutions. The kingpin of the argument that Williams deploys against the negative responsibility thesis is the special and necessary value that each person must place upon his own integrity. Williams provides two fascinating and complex cases, but their fascination and complexity render the prospect of drawing any clear conclusions somewhat shady. As a way of criticising negative responsibility Williams’s argument from integrity is a non-starter. Huck’s dilemma is whether he ought to allow his slave friend Jim to escape to freedom thus cheating Miss Watson of her property or whether he should turn him in.
