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The Psychology of Freedom

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Psychology of Freedom
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Thomas Pink
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:296
Dimensions(mm): Height 227,Width 151
Category/GenreEthics and moral philosophy
ISBN/Barcode 9780521038225
ClassificationsDewey:123.5
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 2 Tables, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 26 July 2007
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

This 1996 book presents an alternative theory of the will - of our capacity for decision making. The book argues that taking a decision to act is something we do, and do freely - as much an action as the actions which our decisions explain - and that our freedom of action depends on this capacity for free decision-making. But decision-making is no ordinary action. Decisions to act also have a special executive function, that of ensuring the rationality of the further actions which they explain. This executive function makes decision-making an action importantly unlike any other, with its own distinctive rationality. Pink's highly persuasive study uses this theory of the will to provide accounts of freedom, action and rational choice. The author argues that, in a tradition that runs from Hobbes to Davidson and Frankfurt, Anglo-American philosophy has misrepresented the common-sense psychology of our freedom and action - a psychology which this book now presents and defends.

Reviews

"Pink's writing is complex, yet clear and crisp. He explains his theory of the will with precision and depth. His overall strategy is coherent and his argumentation is sophisticated." Clifford Williams, Philosophy in Review "...an original and interesting book. Pink...offers a comprehensive, unified theory of a number of phenomena. His work should promote inquiry into some central (and some neglected) issues concerning freedom, action, decision, and practical rationality." Randolph Clarke, The Philosophical Review