Gratitude and good government (original) (raw)

Knowles, D.R.(2002) Gratitude and good government.Res Publica, 8(1), pp. 1-20. (doi: 10.1023/A:1014250718677)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1014250718677

Abstract

I attempt to show that it is not philosophically incompetent to ground political obligation in feelings of gratitude. But the argument needs to be stated carefully.Gratitude must be distinguished from reciprocity. It applies only to good government which provides benefits to citizens for which they ought to feel grateful. It applies only to citizens who accept that their feelings of gratitude are properly demonstrated by an acceptance on their part of the duties of citizenship. It does not apply to citizens whose benefits are purchased at the expense of the unjust treatment of fellow citizens.

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