Single Idea 20168

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / g. Moral responsibility]

Full Idea

One of the most obvious facts about blame is that in many cases it is effective only if the recipient thinks that it is justified.

Gist of Idea

Blame usually has no effect if the recipient thinks it unjustified

Source

Bernard Williams (How free does the will need to be? [1985], 5)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Making Sense of Humanity: Papers 1982-1993' [CUP 1995], p.15


A Reaction

The point of the blame might not be reform of the agent, but a public justification for punishment as deterrence, in which case who cares what the agent thinks? Is blame attribution of causes, or reasons to punish?