Moral Expectations as Reasons for Action

Wojciech LEWANDOWSKI

John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin , Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3649-4087


Abstract

The article focuses on the ethical aspects of creating and fulfilling moral expectations regarding actions that are not duties. The author considers whether moral judgments concerning such actions can take the form of moral rules, or if such judgements can only be particular and context-dependent. The first part of the text presents key elements of major theories about the nature of expectations. The second part discusses generalist and particularist arguments advanced in the debate over the specificity of reasons for fulfilling moral expectations. The third part outlines the position that moral expectations can constitute a distinct reason to act, provided they are accompanied by helplessness resulting from these expectations.

Keywords:

moral expectations, helplessness, reasons for action, generalism, particularism



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Published
2025-06-30


LEWANDOWSKI, W. (2025). Oczekiwanie moralne jako racja za podjęciem działania. Ethos. Kwartalnik Instytutu Jana Pawła II KUL, 38(2), 98–116. https://doi.org/10.12887/38-2025-2-150-08

Wojciech LEWANDOWSKI 
John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3649-4087



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