On the duality of reasons and time-relativity of obligations

Abstract

This paper challenges the puzzle of how decisions and promises create additional reasons for action. I argue their binding force isn’t reducible to reasons’ normativity by examining their time-relativity. J. Raz’s view that decisions generate new reasons breaks the connection between reasons and value. Alternatives focusing on intrinsic value miss time-relativity. I argue promises are grounded in relationships, not normative forces. When making promises, we introduce biases toward certain values that shape our lives as we fulfill them.