Ordinary Praiseworthiness and Blameworthiness

Abstract

This chapter defends the connection between subjective rightness and ordinary praiseworthiness. First, merely acting on conscience is not enough for praiseworthiness. On the other hand, merely being motivated towards what is actually good is not enough either. Praiseworthiness, like trying, is subject to a ‘reflexivity requirement’. Nomy Arpaly uses the example of Huck Finn to argue that an agent can be praiseworthy without having a good grasp of morality, and without acting as they believe they ought. On a competing view, the ‘Searchlight View’, full awareness of every relevant aspect of the act at the moment of action is necessary for praise- or blameworthiness. Both of these views fail: Arpaly’s view does not meet the reflexivity requirement, and the Searchlight View meets too strong a version. Some awareness, some background knowledge is required, but it need not be as bright as a searchlight.