Giving and receiving: standing and praise

A screenwriter accepts an award, and shares the credit with those who contributed to its success. An environmental activist rejects an expression of recognition and indeed discredits the idea of awards for any such activism at all. A family member accepts posthumous praise on behalf of their loved one. A parent rejects an ill-fitting accolade on behalf of their child. An altruistic organ donor receives praise for their selflessness. In all these cases, the communicative act of praise occurs. In some of these cases the response is acceptance; in some other cases the praise is rejected. In some cases the intended target is the person who accepts or rejects the praise; in other cases the target of the praise differs from the party who accepts or rejects it. When is someone well placed to receive praise, including on behalf of others? This chapter explores the idea that all of these cases shed light on the notion of standing and in particular the idea of standing to accept (or reject) praise.