Tag: Dmiller

Praise and Blame

Van Gogh, "First Steps"
~ 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology ~ 10 Comments

Author: Daniel Miller Categories: Ethics, Metaphysics Word Count: 1000 We praise people for morally good things: giving to charity, being generous, having compassion for the needy. We blame for morally bad things: cheating on one’s spouse, being selfish, harboring ill will towards others.[1] What are praise and blame, though? When are they appropriate? This essay … Continue reading Praise and Blame

Ignorance and Blame: Can Ignorance Excuse?

William S. Jewett (1821–1873) The Promised Land - The Grayson Family, 1850
~ 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology ~ 9 Comments

Author: Daniel Miller Categories: Ethics, Metaphysics Word Count: 1000 Sometimes ignorance is a legitimate excuse for morally wrong behavior, and sometimes it isn’t. If someone has secretly replaced my sugar with arsenic, then I’m blameless for putting arsenic in your tea.[1] But if I put arsenic in your tea because I keep arsenic and sugar … Continue reading Ignorance and Blame: Can Ignorance Excuse?