Single Idea 24000

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / a. Practical reason]

Full Idea

A justifying reason will show that what you did, all things considered, was the right thing to do; an excusing reason will not justify, but will give some excuse to explain why you did what you did.

Gist of Idea

Justifying reasons say you were right; excusing reasons say your act was explicable

Source

Peter Goldie (The Emotions [2000], 6 Intro)

Book Reference

Goldie,Peter: 'The Emotions' [OUP 2002], p.142


A Reaction

There are also internal reasons before the event, and explicit reasons afterwards. A mistaken justification might still be an excuse.