supererogatory

supererogatory
Deeds that are not ‘required’ but which go beyond the call of duty, as, for example, acts of exceptional goodness and heroism. The category is interesting, in that many ethical theories fail to recognize it: e.g. for a direct utilitarian, either an action maximizes happiness, in which case it ought to be done, or it does not, in which case it ought not to be done. Protestant theology also rejected the category, since in Catholic theology the moral surplus arising from acts of sainthood was the property of the Church, and hence could be bought and sold.

Philosophy dictionary. . 2011.

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  • supererogatory — supererogatory, gratuitous, uncalled for, wanton are comparable when they mean given or done freely and without compulsion or provocation or without warrant or justification. Supererogatory basically implies a giving above or beyond what is… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • Supererogatory — Su per*e*rog a*to*ry, a. Performed to an extent not enjoined, or not required, by duty or necessity; as, supererogatory services. Howell. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • supererogatory — index excess, excessive, expendable, inordinate, needless, nonessential, superfluous, unnecessary …   Law dictionary

  • supererogatory — (adj.) 1590s, from M.L. supererogatorius, from supererogat , stem of supererogare (see SUPEREROGATION (Cf. supererogation)) …   Etymology dictionary

  • supererogatory — [so͞o΄pəri räg′ə tôr΄ē] adj. [ML supererogatorius: see SUPEREROGATE & ORY] 1. done or observed beyond the degree required or expected 2. superfluous …   English World dictionary

  • supererogatory — adjective Date: 1593 1. observed or performed to an extent not enjoined or required 2. exceeding what is needed ; superfluous < attending three long winded meetings in a row on the same subject was supererogatory > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • supererogatory — adjective /suːpərɛˈrɒɡətəri/ pertaining to supererogation, or doing more than is required, especially with reference to good works in Roman Catholicism , 1988: ‘In now you come,’ she ordered, ‘and we make love.’ That seemed supererogatory to… …   Wiktionary

  • supererogatory — /ˌsupərəˈrɒgətri/ (say .soohpuhruh roguhtree) adjective 1. going beyond the requirements of duty: *yet with such suggestiveness of an Old Guard in reserve, that his innocence became a supererogatory merit. –joseph furphy, 1903. 2. → superfluous …  

  • supererogatory — adjective more than is needed, desired, or required trying to lose excess weight found some extra change lying on the dresser yet another book on heraldry might be thought redundant skills made redundant by technological advance sleeping in the… …   Useful english dictionary

  • supererogatory — supererogatorily, adv. /sooh peuhr euh rog euh tawr ee, tohr ee/, adj. 1. going beyond the requirements of duty. 2. greater than that required or needed; superfluous. [1585 95; < ML supererogatorius. See SUPEREROGATE, TORY1] * * * …   Universalium

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