Things that Happen Because They Should A Teleological Approach to Action [Hardcover]

Rowland Stout presents a new philosophical account of human action which is radically and controversially different from all rival theories. He argues that intentional actions are unique among natural phenomena in that they happen because they should happen, and that they are to be explained in terms of objective facts rather than beliefs and intentions.

Introduction
1. The Possibility of Externalist Explanation of Action
2. Causal Explanation
3. Teleological Explanation
4. Practical Justification
5. Agency
References
Index

Clearly and skillfully argued and is a major contribution to action theory and teleological explanation....Highly recommended. --Choice

Throughout the book Stout shows a mastery of the contemporary discussions of action theory and continually enters into conversation with action theorists of the last three decades...the book certainly merits the close reading it requires and will undoubtedly leave its mark on contemporary discussions of action. Its chief contribution will be to turn the discussions of action toward a more classical and, more importantly, a richer understanding of human agency. --David M. Gallagher, Catholic University of America,International Philosophical Quarterly

Rowland Stout is Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at Oriel College, Oxford. He was previously Lecturer in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Polytechnic of the South Bank, London; Research Fellow in Philosophy at the University of Leeds; and Lecturer in Philosophy at Merton College, Oxford.