PHIL 471 - Action Theory

Institution:

University of Pennsylvania

Subject:

Description:

Finkelstein. This course introduces students to the basic problems of the theory of action: What is an action What makes actions different from (mere) events How is the notion of action related to what people do intentionally To what they intend to do In addressing these questions, we will devote particular attention to the influential writings of Elizabeth Anscombe and Donald Davidson. In this connection we will consider the relation of these questions to the classic dabate about whether reasons can be causes. As we shall see, Davidson transformed the theory of action with his suggestion that an event is an action just in case there is a true description of it under which it was someone's doing something for a reason.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.upenn.edu

Phone Number:

(215) 898-5000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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