In this article we discuss factors presumably responsible for the Knobe effect and offer a novel explanation. The Knobe effect refers to a peculiar asymmetry in attributions of intentionality to the foreseen side-effects of an action, depending only on their moral assessment and with no other changes in the circumstances: the bad effects, but not the good ones, are considered intentionally produced. We focus on the possible explanation: does the moral value of the effect explain the asymmetry? We analyze a variety of vignettes introduced in experimental studies and their results, trying to isolate the explanatory factors. We propose that a concordance or discordance between the moral valence of the side effect and the moral attitude of the agent, as judged by spectators, explains the asymmetry.
Intentionality; Knobe-effect; Free-rider; Moral judgment; Harm-morality; Public goods
