A history of action theory

pp. 44-72

in: James Swindal, Action and existence, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2012

Abstract

Several basic questions confront anyone attempting to do a comprehensive study of action. One is exactly what is a human action — as opposed to divine, angelic, animal, plant, or even mechanical or unconscious action. What thus distinguishes it from mere behavior, on the one hand, and simply habit or disposition, on the other? Can we reflexively furnish a comprehensive and complete set of criteria for it?