Evaluative properties and their non-causal powers
Evaluative properties and their non-causal powers
This paper introduces and defends an account of value and normative reasons according to which evaluative properties confer non-causal powers on their bearers and these powers explain the reason-providing feature of such properties. Moreover, these powers are included in the power profiles of the natural properties that realize evaluative properties. To illustrate its merits, I situate this account in the context of the buck-passing problem, which arises from an apparent tension between the ideas that (i) evaluative properties provide normative reasons for action and (ii) natural properties provide a complete explanation of the reasons we have for our actions. Since normative reasons of evaluative properties are seen as powers that are included in the power profiles of natural properties, the proposed account gains further plausibility by explaining away this apparent tension between (i) and (ii).
Baysan, Umut
69cc8c93-08a0-4b88-8192-eb5a22fa82e3
Baysan, Umut
69cc8c93-08a0-4b88-8192-eb5a22fa82e3
Baysan, Umut
(2026)
Evaluative properties and their non-causal powers.
The Philosophical Quarterly.
(doi:10.1093/pq/pqag003).
Abstract
This paper introduces and defends an account of value and normative reasons according to which evaluative properties confer non-causal powers on their bearers and these powers explain the reason-providing feature of such properties. Moreover, these powers are included in the power profiles of the natural properties that realize evaluative properties. To illustrate its merits, I situate this account in the context of the buck-passing problem, which arises from an apparent tension between the ideas that (i) evaluative properties provide normative reasons for action and (ii) natural properties provide a complete explanation of the reasons we have for our actions. Since normative reasons of evaluative properties are seen as powers that are included in the power profiles of natural properties, the proposed account gains further plausibility by explaining away this apparent tension between (i) and (ii).
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Baysan - Evaluative properties and their non-causal powers (published - OA)
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Accepted/In Press date: 8 January 2026
e-pub ahead of print date: 30 January 2026
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Local EPrints ID: 509081
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/509081
ISSN: 0031-8094
PURE UUID: 8d4c169b-4039-42a7-8083-9892a779be19
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Date deposited: 10 Feb 2026 18:12
Last modified: 11 Feb 2026 03:18
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Umut Baysan
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