more from this thinker     |     more from this text

Single Idea 20059

[filed under theme 20. Action / A. Definition of Action / 3. Actions and Events ]

Full Idea

I do not do an event; I do an action; so actions are not events.

Gist of Idea

I do actions, but not events, so actions are not events

Source

Rowland Stout (Action [2005], 5 'Are actions')

Book Ref

Stout,Rowland: 'Action' [Acumen 2005], p.75

A Reaction

Sounds conclusive, but it places a lot of weight on the concepts of 'I' and 'do', which leaves room for some discussion. This point is opposed to the causal theory of action, because causation concerns events.

The 2 ideas with the same theme [relationship between actions and mere events]:

6658 What is left over if I subtract my arm going up from my raising my arm? [Wittgenstein]
20059 I do actions, but not events, so actions are not events [Stout,R]