ABSTRACT

That a science of human conduct is possible, that what any man may do even in moments of the most sober and careful reflection can be understood and explained, has seemed to many a philosopher to cast doubt upon our common view that any human action can ever be said to be truly free. This book, first published in 1961, looks into crucially important issues that are often ignored in the familiar arguments for and against the possibility of free action. These issues are brought to light and examined in some detail.

chapter

Introduction

chapter One|10 pages

The Case Against Free Action

chapter Two|7 pages

Character as Causal Circumstance

chapter Four|17 pages

How Does One Raise One’s Arm?

chapter Five|13 pages

By Willing, One Does …

chapter Six|10 pages

Physiological Happenings and Bodily Actions

chapter Seven|7 pages

Learning and Physiology

chapter Eight|10 pages

‘Action Equals Bodily Movement Plus Motive’

chapter Nine|22 pages

Motive and Explanation

chapter Ten|22 pages

Wanting and Wanting to do

chapter Eleven|17 pages

Wanting to do and Doing

chapter Twelve|27 pages

Wanting to do, Reasons for Doing, Doing

chapter Thirteen|28 pages

Bodily Movement, Action and Agent