A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Good and Bad Political Compromises




AuthorsRäikkä, Juha

PublisherWiley

Publication year2026

Journal: Ratio

ISSN0034-0006

eISSN1467-9329

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1111/rati.70018

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1111/rati.70018

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/509033115

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY NC ND

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

Political compromises are common. Parties that seek to influence society must inevitably make them. Populists often criticize such compromises, as compromising implies that an ideal outcome will not be achieved. In general, political compromises evoke strong emotions, particularly when they are perceived as problematic—morally or otherwise. In this paper, I will examine whether the moral norms that govern compromise are specific to it. I evaluate Fabian Wendt's view that “deontic restrictions”—limits on what we are morally permitted to do—are not specific to the morality of compromise. I offer critical remarks on Wendt's argument, though I do not claim that his position fails. However, I argue that there is a sense in which the rules of compromise are specific. When compromises are regarded as morally bad, certain moral norms play a particularly prominent role. These norms are more frequently invoked than others and, in this respect, function as specific rules that mark the limits of compromise.


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Funding information in the publication
The author has nothing to report. Open access publishing facilitated by Turun yliopisto, as part of the Wiley - FinELib agreement.


Last updated on 16/02/2026 08:37:08 AM