Abstract
Aquinas pays explicit attention to blameworthiness, but he appears to say little about our actual practices of blaming. This appearance is a false one, however, since Aquinas discusses two distinct blaming practices. In his treatment of vengeance (vindicta), Aquinas explains the conditions under which a person may justly elicit anger or resentment to protest unjust offenses against oneself or others. In his treatment of charity and, more particularly, mercy, Aquinas explains the conditions under which a person may engage in "fraternal correction." Such correction consists of holding an offender to account by loving employment of rebuke and other social pressures. We must determine which practice, if either, serves the good of the offender, the victim, and the wider community. However, we are obligated to engage in fraternal correction whenever that practice is appropriate.