On Action [Paperback]

This book deals with foundational issues in the theory of the nature of action.A sophisticated account of the individuation of actions propounds a challenging version of the view that freedom of action is incompatible with determinism as well.A sophisticated account of the individuation of actions propounds a challenging version of the view that freedom of action is incompatible with determinism as well.This book deals with foundational issues in the history of the nature of action, the intentionality of action, the compatibility of freedom of action with determinism, and the explanation of action. Ginet's is a volitional view: that every action has as its core a simple mental action. He develops a sophisticated account of the individuation of actions and also propounds a challenging version of the view that freedom of action is incompatible with determinism.Preface; 1. The nature of action; 2. Voluntary exertion of the body; 3. The individuation of actions; 4. Intentional action; 5. Free will versus determinism; 6. Reasons explanation of action; References; Index. In each case Ginet's views are subtle and sensitive to the major issues and are presented in a context of a useful discussion of alternative positions...[His book] should be read and studied by any philosopher seriously interested in the philosophy of action. Michael Bratman, Stanford University