Philosophy of Action

elective courses

The purpose of the lecture is an introduction into contemporary philosophy of action. Its main aim is a survey of various answers to the problem of the nature of action, which is epitomized by Wittgenstein’s question: What is the difference between my raising my arm and my arm going up.

The notion of action constitutes a bridge between the physical and the rational. When John reaches out to press a switch, his physical movement might embody a great deal of thought and deliberation. Indeed, one of the possible consequences of John’s action might be the destruction of humankind. His action might be intentional. He might be responsible for it. The notion of action is entangled in the conceptual network of moral, psychological, social, biological and physical theories.

The purpose of the lecture is an introduction into contemporary philosophy of action. Its main aim is to answer the problem of the nature of action, which is epitomized by Wittgenstein’s question: What is the difference between my raising my arm and my arm going up. We will consider such topics as: Logical Connection Argument, Contextualism, Anscombe’s Theory, Davidson’s Causal Theory and Its Problems, The Debate on Action Individuation, Volitionalism, Hornsby’s Theory, Agent Causation Theory, Agent Control Theory, Responsibilism, Debates about intentions and about reasons.

Davis L.H., 1979, Theory of Action, Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.

Moya C.J., 1990, The Philosophy of Action, Cambridge: Polity Press.

Stout R., 2005, Action, Chesham: Acumen.

Hyman J., Steward H. (red.), 2004, Agency and Action, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Mele A.R. (red.), 1997, The Philosophy of Action, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

O'Connor T., Sandis C. (red.), 2010, A Companion to Philosophy of Action, Oxford: Basil Blackwell.

Sandis C. (red.), 2009, New Essays on the Explanation of Action, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Dancy, J., Sandis, C. (red.), Philosophy of Action: An Anthology, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2015

White A.R. (red.), 1968, The Philosophy of Action, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Acquired knowledge

- knows the main positions in contemporary philosophy of action

- knows the main arguments in the debates in philosophy of action

- understands the relations between philosophy of action and other philosophical disciplines: ethics, ontology, epistemology

Acquired skills

- is able to briefly explain a problem in writing

- is able to explain basic positions in philosophy of action and basic arguments in the debates

Acquired social competences

- is open to discuss philosophical issues

- is open to new ideas

The grade will be based the final written exam (100%).

The best way to prepare for the final exam is to answer all study questions. Study questions will be provided weekly or biweekly after the lectures.

Acceptable number of missed classes without formal explanation: 2