Excuses Decoded: Intentions Matter
July 2019
University of Cambridge

Introduction
Ever wondered why "I was just too tired" sometimes gets you off the hook, but "I couldn't resist the temptation" doesn't? Dr. Paulina Sliwa from the University of Cambridge dives into the world of excuses, revealing that the secret sauce to a good excuse lies in our intentions. According to her research, a plausible excuse shows that, despite a lapse in judgment, our moral compass was pointing in the right direction. Dive into this intriguing study to find out why some excuses work and others flop, and how this all ties into courtroom defenses!
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Excuses, Excuses - Unraveling Our Moral Fabric
Have you ever wondered what makes a good excuse? It's something we all deal with, whether we're trying to explain why we didn't finish our homework on time or why we snapped at a friend. Dr. Paulina Sliwa, a Cambridge philosopher, dives deep into this question, suggesting that the key lies in our intentions. This isn't just about getting out of trouble; it's about understanding the very fabric of our everyday morality. By exploring what excuses are and why some work better than others, we're really looking into how we judge right from wrong and how we understand each other's actions. For you, this means getting a clearer picture of how to navigate the tricky waters of social interactions, personal responsibility, and moral judgment. It's about learning how to communicate your intentions and understand others' actions in a more profound way, which is crucial for building strong relationships and a strong sense of self.
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Intentions
Plans for action. In the context of excuses, it's about what you planned to do morally right before something went awry.

Morally adequate
When an action or plan is considered ethically sound or acceptable according to societal standards.

Exonerate
To officially absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing.

Duress
A situation where someone performs an act as a result of violence, threat, or other pressure against them.

Coercion
The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

Mitigate
To make less severe, serious, or painful.
Independent Research Ideas

The psychology of making excuses
Dive into why we feel the need to make excuses and how it affects our mental health and relationships. This could lead to fascinating insights into human behavior and social dynamics.

Cultural differences in acceptable excuses
Explore how different cultures view excuses and what is considered a valid excuse in various societies. This could uncover interesting variations in moral standards and communication styles across the world.

The role of intentions in legal defenses
Investigate how the concept of intentions plays out in courtroom defenses and how it compares to everyday excuses. This could offer a compelling look into the intersection of law, morality, and psychology.

Technology and excuses
Examine how technology (like social media and smartphones) has changed the way we make and perceive excuses. This could reveal intriguing shifts in personal accountability and social interaction in the digital age.

Excuses and leadership
Study how the use of excuses impacts leadership effectiveness and team dynamics. This could provide valuable insights for anyone interested in organizational behavior, leadership studies, or team psychology.
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