Joseph Raz (University of Oxford – Faculty of Law; Columbia University – Law School; King's College London – The Dickson Poon School of Law) has posted Are there commendatory reasons? on SSRN. Here is the abstract:
The article considers the case for the existence of commendatory reasons, namely reasons that one is free not to conform to. A powerful case for such reasons, presented by Little and Macnamara is examined. Difficulties are explored and ways of overcoming them are suggested. In the course of the discussion the underlying issues are clarified, alternative ways to explain the leniency of reasons are briefly mentioned, and the way the case for and against commendatory reasons depends on the relations between values and reasons is explained.
Highly recommended.