Abstract

This chapter considers the moral and ethical implications of transpersonal gratitude in relation to interpersonal exchanges and virtue ethics. Since triadic gratitude dictates obligations towards a benefactor, the absence of the latter poses questions relating to duties and expressions of gratitude. The discussion focuses first on notions of reciprocity and thankfulness, and the relevance of directedness to expressions of gratitude. It draws on research in moral psychology and explains that the wish to make a return is not conditional on the existence of an intentional benefactor, but is rather part of the emotion of gratitude for a benefit. I then propose the criteria by which grateful expressions can be appropriate in the absence of a benefactor, mainly in terms of ‘paying it forward’ and third-party directedness, whereby the beneficiary becomes a benefactor. This has important implications for the encouragement and development of prosocial and moral behaviours.