Philosophy 320 - Philosophy of Action

Institution:

Bard College

Subject:

Description:

An action is something that is done by someone. Mere events, by contrast, are things that simply happen. This seminar explores the nature of actions and agents. Guiding questions include: What is it for someone to act? Does acting always involve moving your body? Do you act by causing your body to move, or is your role as agent not causal? What is the nature of this you who acts? What metaphysical commitments are involved in the claim that we (sometimes) act? And should questions about the nature of actions and agents be conceived of as metaphysical or linguistic, or both? Readings include Thomas Reid, G. E. M. Anscombe, Roderick Chisholm, Donald Davidson, Harry Frankfurt, Michael Bratman, David Velleman, and Christine Korsgaard.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.bard.edu

Phone Number:

(845) 758-6822

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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