Reason and Action

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Political
Cover of the book Reason and Action by Bruce Aune, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Bruce Aune ISBN: 9789401012713
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: June 29, 2013
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Bruce Aune
ISBN: 9789401012713
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: June 29, 2013
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Philosophers writing on the subject of human action have found it tempting to introduce their subject by raising Wittgenstein's question, 'What is left over if you subtract the fact that my arm goes up from the fact that I raise my arm?' The presumption is that something of particular interest is involved in an action of raising an arm that is not present in a mere bodily movement, and the philosopher's task is to specify just what this is. Unfortunately, such an approach does not take us very far, since a person could properly be said to raise his (or her) arm while asleep or hypnotized even though he (or she) would not be performing an action in the sense of 'action' with which philosophers are particularly concerned. To avoid this kind of difficulty I shall approach the subject of human action is a more academic way: I shall expound some important rival theories of human action, and introduce the relevant issues by commenting critically on those theories. One of the issues I eventually introduce is a metaphysical one. A theory of action makes sense, I contend, only on the assumption that there are such 'things' as actions (or events). After considering some key arguments bearing on the issue I conclude that, as matters currently stand in philosophy, a metaphysically noncommittal attitude toward actions and events seems justified.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Philosophers writing on the subject of human action have found it tempting to introduce their subject by raising Wittgenstein's question, 'What is left over if you subtract the fact that my arm goes up from the fact that I raise my arm?' The presumption is that something of particular interest is involved in an action of raising an arm that is not present in a mere bodily movement, and the philosopher's task is to specify just what this is. Unfortunately, such an approach does not take us very far, since a person could properly be said to raise his (or her) arm while asleep or hypnotized even though he (or she) would not be performing an action in the sense of 'action' with which philosophers are particularly concerned. To avoid this kind of difficulty I shall approach the subject of human action is a more academic way: I shall expound some important rival theories of human action, and introduce the relevant issues by commenting critically on those theories. One of the issues I eventually introduce is a metaphysical one. A theory of action makes sense, I contend, only on the assumption that there are such 'things' as actions (or events). After considering some key arguments bearing on the issue I conclude that, as matters currently stand in philosophy, a metaphysically noncommittal attitude toward actions and events seems justified.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book The Illusion of Trust by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book International Bioenergy Trade by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book The English Della Cruscans and Their Time, 1783–1828 by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Protein Hydrolysates in Biotechnology by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book In the Margins of Deconstruction by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Sociobiology: Sense or Nonsense? by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book The Aesthetics of Enchantment in the Fine Arts by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Science, Action, and Reality by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Biomedical Light Microscopy by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Spatial Planning and Urban Development by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Threats to Food and Water Chain Infrastructure by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Ceterus Paribus Laws by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Mycorrhizal Networks by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Reconceptualizing Early Mathematics Learning by Bruce Aune
Cover of the book Wanting and Intending by Bruce Aune
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy