Single Idea 20082

[catalogued under 20. Action / A. Definition of Action / 5. Action as Trying]

Full Idea

Hornsby claims the basic description of action is in terms of trying, that all actions (even means of doing other actions) are actions of trying, and that tryings (and therefore actions) are interior to bodily movements (which are thus not essential).

Gist of Idea

Bodily movements are not actions, which are really the tryings within bodily movement

Source

report of Jennifer Hornsby (Actions [1980]) by Rowland Stout - Action 9 'Trying'

Book Reference

Stout,Rowland: 'Action' [Acumen 2005], p.147


A Reaction

[compression of his summary] There is no regress with explaining the 'action' of trying, because it is proposed that trying is the most basic thing in all actions. If you are paralysed, your trying does not result in action. Too mentalistic?

Related Idea

Idea 20081 Bicycle riding is not just bodily movement - you also have to be on the bicycle [Stout,R]