Mind in Action

Bede Rundle

ISBN 10: 0198236913 / ISBN 13: 9780198236917

Published by Oxford University Press, GB, 1997

About this Item

Bede Rundle challenges the quasi-mechanical view of human action that is dominant in contemporary philosophy of mind. A materialist view of the mind and a causal theory of action fit together conveniently: the notion of action as caused by thoughts and desires allows philosophers to accommodate explanations of action within a framework that is congenial to scientific understanding, and the conception of mind as physical enables them to make sense of causal transactions between the two domains. Mind in Action offers an alternative approach. Compelling reasons are given for demoting causation and for shifting the emphasis to the role played by behaviour in accounts of thought, belief, desire, intention, freedom, and other key concepts. Rundle's approach sheds fresh light not only on human behaviour but also on animal mentality, and has important implications for the feasibility of current programmes in cognitive science.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780198236917

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mind in Action
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198236913
• ISBN 13: 9780198236917
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 519 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Mind in Action challenges the dominant view in contemporary philosophy that human action is driven by thoughts and desires much as a machine is made to function by the operation of physical causes. Bede Rundle rejects the materialist view of mind and the causal theory of action; his alternative approach elucidates such key concepts as thought, belief, desire, intention, and freedom to give a fresh view of human behavior.

About the Author

Bede Rundle is Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at Trinity College, Oxford.