Philosophy
Supererogation in Moral Theory: Beyond the Call of Duty
Quick fact
The term 'supererogation' comes from Latin 'super' (beyond) and 'erogare' (to pay out), meaning to pay beyond what is owed. The concept entered modern moral philosophy largely through J.O. Urmson's 1958 paper 'Saints and Heroes'.
Why this is interesting
You probably think that if an action is good, you ought to do it. But what about the stranger who dives into a freezing river to save a child—is that just doing your duty, or is it something more?