Philosophy of Action

ISBN-13: 9780230232815 / Angielski / Miękka / 2014 / 172 str.

Lilian OBrien

Opis

What is the difference between firing a gun and the gun going off in your hand? What makes one an intentional action of yours and the other a mere happening - is the difference in their causes, in their purposes, or in the reasons behind them? Can actions be explained in the same way as mere happenings, or is there something special about the way we explain one another's actions? What kind of mind must a creature have if it is to be an agent? Can groups of human beings comprise a single agent that performs intentional actions? Such questions about the nature of intentional action and its explanation, the nature of reasons and agents are at the heart of philosophy of action. This wide-ranging and accessible introduction to contemporary debates guides the reader through the major views and arguments with the help of examples drawn from everyday life.

Recenzje

"This book is published in Palgrave Macmillan's Philosophy Today series, which is supposed to provide researchers and advanced students of philosophy with an introduction to contemporary discussions in specific subfields of philosophy. ... this is a quick enjoyable read, clearly and concisely written. It gives the reader a taste of some of many fascinating issues that are being explored in contemporary philosophy of action." (Olle Blomberg, metapsychology online reviews, metapsychology.mentalhelp.net, Vol. 21 (3), January, 2017)

Spis treści

Preface Series Editor's Preface 1. Introduction to Intentional Action 2. Causalism and Antireductionism 3. Volitionism and Trying Theories 4. Reasons 5. From Mental to Motor Control 6. Action Explanation 7. Philosophical Psychology 8. Temptation, Control, and Autonomy 9. Agents Bibliography Index

O autorze

Lilian O'Brien is a Lecturer in Philosophy at University College Cork in Ireland.