Autonomous Agents: From Self-Control to Autonomy - Softcover

Mele, Alfred R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195150430 ISBN 13: 9780195150438

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2001

Synopsis

This book addresses two related topics: self-control and individual autonomy. In approaching these issues, Mele develops a conception of an ideally self-controlled person, and argues that even such a person can fall short of personal autonomy. He then examines what needs to be added to such a person to yield an autonomous agent and develops two overlapping answers: one for compatibilist believers in human autonomy and one for incompatibilists. While remaining neutral between those who hold that autonomy is compatible with determinism and those who deny this, Mele shows that belief that there are autonomous agents is better grounded than belief that there are not.

About this title

From the Back Cover

This book addresses the related topics of self-control and individual autonomy. "Self-control" is defined as the opposite of akrasia - weakness of will. The study of self-control seeks first to understand the concept on its own terms, and its bearing on one's actions, beliefs, emotions, and personal values. It goes on to consider how a proper understanding of self-control and its manifestations can shed light on personal autonomy and autonomous behavior.

About the Author

Alfred R. Mele is at Florida State University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0195150430
• ISBN 13: 9780195150438
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 288