Professor of Philosophy Daniel Breyer of Illinois State University will give a talk titled “Responsibility and Practical Stakes” for the Philosophy Colloquium at 5 p.m. March 18, in Stevenson Hall, room 401A.

Sponsored by the Department of Philosophy, the event is free and open to the public.

Abstract:
In this talk, I’ll examine the relatively unexplored relationship between practical stakes and moral responsibility. In particular, I’ll argue that considerations about practical stakes affect the justification conditions for holding others responsible in important and surprising ways. To frame my discussion, I’ll sketch three different senses of “practical stakes:” practical stakes as harm; practical stakes as subjective personal interest; and practical stakes as objective personal interest. I’ll argue not only that ascriptions of moral responsibility are sensitive to practical stakes in each of these senses, but also that any adequate theory of moral responsibility.

Those who need special accommodations to attend can contact the Department of Philosophy at (309) 438-7665 or philosophy@ilstu.edu.