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Single Idea 9759

[filed under theme 20. Action / A. Definition of Action / 1. Action Theory ]

Full Idea

When we look at our actions from the theoretical standpoint our concern is with their explanation and prediction. When we view them from the practical standpoint our concern is with their justification and choice.

Gist of Idea

Theory of action focuses on explanation and prediction; practical action on justification and choice

Source

Christine M. Korsgaard (Intro to 'Creating the Kingdom of Ends' [1996], §4)

Book Ref

Korsgaard,Christine M.: 'Creating the Kingdom of Ends' [CUP 1996], p.378


A Reaction

A nice distinction, which invites us to further subdivide action theory into two branches, with entirely different concerns.


The 11 ideas from Christine M. Korsgaard

Contemplation is final because it is an activity which is not a process [Korsgaard]
For Aristotle, contemplation consists purely of understanding [Korsgaard]
An end can't be an ultimate value just because it is useless! [Korsgaard]
If we can't reason about value, we can reason about the unconditional source of value [Korsgaard]
Goodness is given either by a psychological state, or the attribution of a property [Korsgaard]
Maybe final value rests on the extrinsic property of being valued by a rational agent [Korsgaard, by Orsi]
To make sense of personal identity, focus on agency rather than experience [Korsgaard]
A person viewed as an agent makes no sense without its own future [Korsgaard]
Theory of action focuses on explanation and prediction; practical action on justification and choice [Korsgaard]
Personal concern for one's own self widens out into concern for the impersonal [Korsgaard]
Self-concern may be a source of pain, or a lack of self-respect, or a failure of responsibility [Korsgaard]