Philosophy of Action (U04096)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-3-U04096

Theories of action are central to many debates in the philosophy of mind and ethics. This course will provide an introduction to the central theories of action and to the problems that such theories need to address. We will examine the role of reasons and intentions in action, and whether acting essentially involves trying. We will consider the role of the agent in acting. We will also look at the connection between our understanding and description of the world around us and our actions.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Philosophy 2A (PP0033) or Philosophy 2B (PP0034)

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

Philosophy of Action (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Philosophy, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 1 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
23/09/2008	09:00	10:50			Dugald Stewart Building, Room 3.11

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, students will:
- understand the central issues in the philosophy of action
- be able to present and defend arguments for and against the causal theory of action
- understand the relation between reasons and actions
- be able to describe the role of intentions in action
- have improved their analytic skills in philosophy
- have developed their ability to analyse and present a philosophical argument