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Single Idea 12843

[filed under theme 20. Action / A. Definition of Action / 2. Duration of an Action ]

Full Idea

Action theorists distinguish between activity verbs such as 'weep' and 'talk' (where continuous entails perfect - John is weeping so John has now wept), and performance verbs like 'wash', where John is washing doesn't yet mean John has washed.

Gist of Idea

With activities if you are doing it you've done it, with performances you must finish to have done it

Source

Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 4.2)

Book Ref

Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.137


A Reaction

How to distinguish them, bar examples? In 'has wept' and 'has washed', I'm thinking that it is the 'has' which is ambiguous, rather than the more contentful word. One is 'has participated' and the other is 'has completed'. I've participated in washing!