ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the contemporary attack, according to which the motive of duty drives a wedge between an agent's actions, personal feelings, attachments, and commitments. It argues that when duty functions as a primary motive, and the agent properly understands what her duty is, the motive will produce commendable conduct. The criticisms alleged against conduct prompted by the motive of duty tend to blur the distinction between the agent's motive and her understanding of what duty requires. The morally good person is not only influenced by right-making features of particular circumstances, but she is so influenced because she recognizes them as right-making features. In order to explain the function of a limiting condition, people must describe the distinction between a primary and a secondary motive. The problem is that once the philosopher provides material reasons that justify an action, the justification becomes subject to Stocker's schizophrenia criticism.
