Advances in Experimental Philosophy of Action

Description

What is self-control? Does a person need to be conscious to act? Are delusions always irrational? Questions such as these are fundamental for investigations into action and rationality, as well as how we assign responsibility for wrongdoing and assess clinical symptoms. Bridging the gap between philosophy and psychology, this interdisciplinary collection showcases how empirical research informs and enriches core questions in the philosophy of action. Exploring issues such as truth, moral judgement, agency, consciousness and cognitive control, chapters offer an overview of the current state of research, present new empirical findings and identify where future experimental work can further advance the frontier between philosophy and psychology. This is an essential resource for anyone looking to better understand how science and philosophy can meaningfully inform our knowledge of human agency.

Paul Henne is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Neuroscience at Lake Forest College, USA. Samuel Murray is Assistant Professor in the Philosophy Department and Neuroscience Program at Providence College, USA.

This cutting-edge collection impressively covers a wide range of topics, ranging from free will and moral responsibility to monothematic delusions. There is something here for everyone with an interest in the philosophy of action - experimental or otherwise - and for everyone with an interest in the very lively field of experimental philosophy. * Alfred Mele, William H. and Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy, Florida State University, USA * This impressive volume makes a powerful case for the value of experimental philosophy of action by showcasing recent experimentally-informed work on free will, self-control, moral judgment, reasoning, assertion, and animal agency. It undeniably advances our understanding of some of the most interesting questions at the intersection of philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, and the law. * Manuel Vargas, Professor of Philosophy, University of California San Diego, USA * This volume is a must for anyone interested in contemporary experimental work related to action theory. It beautifully illustrates ways in which a variety of experimental data can inform and constrain philosophical theorizing about action, normal and compromised agency, free will, ethics, and responsibility. * Adina L. Roskies, The Helman Family Distinguished Professor, Dartmouth College, USA * Many subfields in philosophy have profited from close engagement with relevant empirical sciences. With this volume, edited by Henne and Murray, philosophy of action takes a major step in this direction. These essays seamlessly weave together philosophical and empirical perspectives as they tackle core questions about agency. * Chandra Sripada, Professor of Philosophy and Psychiatry, University of Michigan, USA *