Reasons and IntentionsBruno Verbeek There are a number of problems in philosophy that seem to share a similar possible solution; 'Why do promises and contracts bind?', 'Why ought citizens and judges obey the law?' and 'Can we realize the gains to be made from cooperation?'. All three problems (as well as some others) share a possible solution in the form of rational internal commitment.Reasons and Intentions is a 'state-of-the-art' overview of the relevant positions on the possibility of such commitment, including critical ones. The introduction provides a survey of the central problem of the volume, 'how the will can bind itself and still be instrumental in nature', and the various positions which are further examined in the contributions.Addressing the question of the relation between intentions and action, the considerations which make an intention rational and how this translates into our conception of (moral) agency, this book brings together specially commissioned essays by the leading scholars in the field. |
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agency agential authority argued argument attitudes Axiom balance of reasons behaviour believe benefit Bratman Cambridge University Press causal choose commitment conception considerations constraint cooperation coordination coordination game David Gauthier decide decision problem Decision Theory deliberation deliberative desire disposition drink Dynamic Choice dynamic inconsistency Essays evaluative ranking example expected feasible formed the intention friendship Game Theory given goal-directed H. L. A. Hart instrumental rationality intentional action interaction irrational Journal of Philosophy maximizing McClennen Michael Bratman Morals by Agreement motivated Nash equilibrium normative object one-glass one's options outcome person player possible Practical Reason pragmatic prior intention Prisoner's Dilemma rational agent rational choice rational choice theory read my manuscript reasons for acting reasons for action reciprocate reconsider reconsideration relation relevant requirements Resolute Choice rule rule-guided second glass simply social solution concept Stability of Intention strategic intentions strategy Suppose temptation voluntariness-based model voluntary action