Evaluative properties and their non-causal powers

Abstract This paper introduces and defends an account of value and normative reasons according to which evaluative properties confer non-causal powers on their bearers and these powers explain the reason-providing feature of such properties. Moreover, these powers are included in the power profiles of the natural properties that realize evaluative properties. To illustrate its merits, I situate this account in the context of the buck-passing problem, which arises from an apparent tension between the ideas that (i) evaluative properties provide normative reasons for action and (ii) natural properties provide a complete explanation of the reasons we have for our actions. Since normative reasons of evaluative properties are seen as powers that are included in the power profiles of natural properties, the proposed account gains further plausibility by explaining away this apparent tension between (i) and (ii).