Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to discuss whether the so called supererogatory acts exist and, if they do, how can they be part of an ethical theory. A supererogatory act is considered as an action that is not obligatory, i.e. it may or may not be performed by an agent without that entailing a moral error. Heroic and holy deeds, traditionally, have been taken as examples of acts of this kind. My proposal is to defend the existence of these acts, although that does not imply that they are central within an ethical theory. The practice of a supererogatory act does not change the ethical status of those who performs it, since the act is not characterized as a duty. Supererogatory acts would be peripheral with respect to an ethical theory.