- Inter-faculty Studies in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Computer Science
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Mathematics
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Computer Science
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Mathematics
Philosophy of action 3501-FD20-M-OG
The notion of action constitutes a bridge between the physical and the rational. When John reaches out to press a switch, his physical movement might embody a great deal of thought and deliberation. Indeed, one of the possible consequences of John’s action might be the destruction of humankind. His action might be intentional. He might be responsible for it. The notion of action is entangled in the conceptual network of moral, psychological, social, biological and physical theories.
The purpose of the lecture is an introduction into contemporary philosophy of action. Its main aim is to answer the problem of the nature of action, which is epitomized by Wittgenstein’s question: What is the difference between my raising my arm and my arm going up. We will consider such topics as: Logical Connection Argument, Contextualism, Anscombe’s Theory, Davidson’s Causal Theory and Its Problems, The Debate on Action Individuation, Volitionalism, Hornsby’s Theory, Agent Causation Theory, Agent Control Theory, Responsibilism, Debates about intentions and about reasons.
Type of course
general courses
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Acquired knowledge
- knows the main positions in contemporary philosophy of action
- knows the main arguments in the debates in philosophy of action
- understands the relations between philosophy of action and other philosophical disciplines: ethics, ontology, epistemology
Acquired skills
- is able to briefly explain a problem in writing
- is able to explain basic positions in philosophy of action and basic arguments in the debates
Acquired social competences
- is open to discuss philosophical issues
- is open to new ideas
Assessment criteria
The final grade is based on the final written test (100%) to be taken on the last day of class.
Permissible number of absences: 2
Bibliography
Davis L.H., 1979, Theory of Action, Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.
Moya C.J., 1990, The Philosophy of Action, Cambridge: Polity Press.
Stout R., 2005, Action, Chesham: Acumen.
Hyman J., Steward H. (red.), 2004, Agency and Action, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Mele A.R. (red.), 1997, The Philosophy of Action, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
O'Connor T., Sandis C. (red.), 2010, A Companion to Philosophy of Action, Oxford: Basil Blackwell.
Sandis C. (red.), 2009, New Essays on the Explanation of Action, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Dancy, J., Sandis, C. (red.), Philosophy of Action: An Anthology, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2015
White A.R. (red.), 1968, The Philosophy of Action, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
- Inter-faculty Studies in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Computer Science
- Bachelor's degree, first cycle programme, Mathematics
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Computer Science
- Master's degree, second cycle programme, Mathematics
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: