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Extending Compatibilism: Control, Responsibility, And Blame

Oisín DeeryContact Information

(1)  Department of Philosophy, University of British Columbia, 1866 Main Mall E370, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada

Published online: 9 August 2007

Abstract  In this paper, I argue that ‹moral responsibility’ refers to two concepts, not to one. In the first place, we are not ultimately morally responsible or, therefore, unqualifiedly blameworthy, due to the fact that we lack ultimate forms of control. But, second, it is legitimate to consider us to be morally responsible in another sense, and therefore qualifiedly blameworthy, once we have certain forms of control. Consequently, I argue that our normal practice of blaming is unjust, since it requires that we are ultimately morally responsible. I contend that this practice must, on grounds of justice, be tempered by adequate consideration of the fact that we are not ultimately morally responsible. My proposal in this regard is that blaming be replaced by admonishment.

Keywords  blame - blameworthiness - control - freedom - free will - justice - moral responsibility - punishment - responsibility

I would like to thank Dr. Cara Nine and Dr. David Hemp (University College Cork), and the two anonymous referees at Res Publica for their helpful comments on this paper.

Contact Information Oisín Deery
Email: oisindeery@eircom.net
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