Single Idea 23734

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / c. Reasons as causes]

Full Idea

Davidson argues that the best interpretation of the teleological character of reason explanations is an intepretation in causal terms.

Gist of Idea

The best explanation of reasons as purposes for actions is that they are causal

Source

report of Donald Davidson (Action, Reasons and Causes [1963]) by Michael Smith - The Moral Problem 4.4

Book Reference

Smith,Michael: 'The Moral Problem' [Blackwell 1994], p.103


A Reaction

That is, this is the explanation of someone doing something 'because' they have this reason (rather than happening to have a reason). Smith observes that other mental states (such as beliefs) may also have this causal power.