Single Idea 20057

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

Full Idea

The central task of the philosophy of action is the exploration of the roles played by a collection of psychological states in the etiology of intentional behaviour.

Clarification

'Etiology' is causal history

Gist of Idea

Philosophy of action studies the roles of psychological states in causing behaviour

Source

Alfred R. Mele (Springs of Action [1992], p.3), quoted by Rowland Stout - Action 5 'Psychological'

Book Reference

Stout,Rowland: 'Action' [Acumen 2005], p.72


A Reaction

Stout glosses this as a rather distinctive view, which endorses the causal theory of action (as opposed to citing reasons and justifications for actions). A key debate is whether the psychological inputs really do cause the outputs.