Reasons for Action and Instrumental Rationality

Citation

Millar A (2002) Reasons for Action and Instrumental Rationality. In: Bermúdez J & Millar A (eds.) Reason and Nature: Essays in the Theory of Rationality. Mind Association Occasional Series. Oxford, UK: Clarendon Press, pp. 113-132. http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/academic/philosophy/mind/9780199256839.do?sortby=bookTitleAscend&thumbby=10&thumbby_crawl=10

Abstract
The article is a discussion of intentional action drawing on work of Elizabeth Anscombe and making use of the distinction between normative and motivating reasons for action. It is argued that while all normative reasons for an action must favour or recommend that action not all such reasons are properly regarded as justificatory. Some might merely confer a point on the action. An account of instrumental reason is developed that draws upon work of John Broome.

Keywords
action; Elizabeth Anscombe; intention; instrumental reasons; John Broome; justification of action; motivation; normativity; reasons for action.

People

Professor Alan Millar

Emeritus Professor, Philosophy