Between strict liability and blameworthy quality of will: Taking responsibility

Elinor Mason

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract / Description of output

This chapter discusses blameworthiness for problematic acts that an agent does inadvertently. Blameworthiness, as opposed to liability, is difficult to make sense of in this sort of case, as there is usually thought to be a tight connection between blameworthiness and something in the agent’s quality of will. This chapter argues that in personal relationships we should sometimes take responsibility for inadvertent actions. Taking on responsibility when we inadvertently fail in our duties to our loved ones assures them that we respect them, take them seriously, and want to be respected and taken seriously in turn. The chapter ends with a defence of the claim that this is a genuine sort of blameworthiness.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOxford Studies in Agency and Responsibility
EditorsDavid Shoemaker
PublisherOxford University Press
Volume5
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2018

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • blameworthiness
  • inadvertence
  • negligence
  • liability
  • quality of will
  • remorse
  • agent regret

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