Agent-Relative Reasons and Reasonable Moral Agency

Abstract

Building on a previous paper, “Bad Actors in Moral Theory”, this paper examines the extent to which the motivational structures of the egoist, narcissist, moralist and rule-worshipper can support three kinds of agent-relative reasons: autonomy, deontic and obligation. These reasons are taken to be part of what it means to be moral in the right way. The analysis of how bad actors may or may not be able to act on these reasons reveals a mixed picture of success. Based on these reflections three criteria of reasonable moral agency are presented. The paper focuses on Kant’s ethical thought.

Keywords: Kant; Kantian ethics; moral theory; motivation; reasons for action

JEL Classification: Z10