1877day.year
William David Ross
(1877 - 1971)
Scottish philosopher
Scottish philosopher
William David Ross was a Scottish philosopher best known for his work on ethics, including the concept of prima facie duties, and his studies of Aristotle.
W.D. Ross (1877-1971) was born in Thurso, Scotland, and became a Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford.
He authored foundational works in moral philosophy, most notably "The Right and the Good", outlining his theory of prima facie duties.
His commentary on Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics" remains a standard reference in classical studies.
He emphasized intuitionism and sought to reconcile duty-based ethics with human moral psychology.
Knighted in 1939, he influenced generations of philosophers through teaching and writing.
His blend of rigorous scholarship and practical ethics continues to resonate in contemporary moral theory.
William David Ross