Reasons matter greatly to us in both ordinary and theoretical contexts, being connected to two fundamental normative concerns: figuring out what we should do and what attitudes to have, and understanding the duties and responsibilities that apply to us. This book introduces and critiques most of the contemporary theories of normative reasons considerations that speak in favor of an action, belief, or emotion - to explore how they work. Artūrs Logins develops and defends a new theory: the Erotetic view of reasons, according to which normative reasons are appropriate answers to normative why questions (Why should I do this?). This theory draws on evidence of how why-questions work in informal logic, language and philosophy of science. The resulting view is able to avoid the problems of previous accounts, while retaining all of their attractive features, and it also suggests exciting directions for future research. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

‘Arturs Logins has written an insightful and important book on what many believe to be the central normative notion. Because of his pluralist approach to reasons, he offers us an account that captures the desirable features of leading theories of reasons and explains why these leading theories shouldn't be seen as competitors. This book should have a tremendous influence on philosophical discussions of normativity and of reasons. I cannot recommend it highly enough.‘

Clayton Littlejohn - King's College, London

‘Arturs Logins not only gives one of the most lucid presentations of the ever growing field of reasons and normativity, but also provides a challenging new account, which will become the focus of many discussions to come. His book is a great achievement.'

Pascal Engel - EHESS, Paris