Appraisive things

Philosophical literature on praise primarily focuses on verbal expressions of praise. But material expressions of praise are a pervasive feature of our social practices: we use cash prizes, bonuses, statues, trophies to celebrate and esteem others and their good deeds. What is the normative significance of using things to praise, when using (mere) words is an alternative? Beyond the instrumental and symbolic significance, we draw on recent literature on world-shaping and mind-shaping to explain what can be achieved by appraisive things. We point to, and illustrate, two normatively important properties that are brought to the fore by material praise: the finitude and durability of things. In light of these previously neglected dimensions of our appraisive practices, we revisit norms of positive appraisal, showing the need for a multidimensional account of apt praise.