The teleological explanation of action
A different analytical approach to that of the standard causal theory to the explanation of action is proposed. It is argued that the most basic kind of explanation of action is teleological explanation in terms of external reasons. what this amounts to is that an action is the result of a causal process which adapts its results to whatever is objectively practically rational. Explanation in terms of psychological states depends on being able to make this externalist sort of explanation. Central to this account is a theory of causal explanation which depends on the notion of a causal process. A causal process is a real entity distinct from an event. A phenomenon is causally explained when a description of the phenomenon is determined by a theoretical structure which represents how a process which results in the phenomenon works. In teleological explanation, the theoretical structure is that of practical rationality. It is argued that this must be regarded as objective practical rationality. Only purposeful activity can be explained in this way. An account of evolutionary function is provided to show why. it differs from this. This account of teleological explanation, because it does not involve internal mental
Stout, Rowland
Act (Philosophy) ; Teleology
The teleological explanation of action. A different analytical approach to that of the standard causal theory to the explanation of action is proposed. It is argued that the most basic kind of explanation of action is teleological explanation in terms of external reasons. what this amounts to is that an action is the result of a causal process which adapts its results to whatever is objectively practically rational. Explanation in terms of psychological states depends on being able to make this externalist sort of explanation. Central to this account is a theory of causal explanation which depends on the notion of a causal process. A causal process is a real entity distinct from an event. A phenomenon is causally explained when a description of the phenomenon is determined by a theoretical structure which represents how a process which results in the phenomenon works. In teleological explanation, the theoretical structure is that of practical rationality. It is argued that this must be regarded as objective practical rationality. Only purposeful activity can be explained in this way. An account of evolutionary function is provided to show why. it differs from this. This account of teleological explanation, because it does not involve internal mental
teleological explanation action different analytical standard causal_theory explanation action propose argue basic kind explanation action teleological explanation_term external reason amount action causal_process adapts whatever objectively practically rational explanation_term psychological_state depend able make externalist sort explanation central account theory causal_explanation depend notion causal_process causal_process real entity distinct event phenomenon causally explain description phenomenon determine theoretical structure represent process phenomenon work teleological explanation theoretical structure practical_rationality argue must regard objective practical_rationality activity explain way account evolutionary function provide show why differs this account teleological explanation involve internal mental