ABSTRACT
This chapter defends the hermeneutic theory of action of von Wright which provides a nonreductionistic and teleological explanation of intentional action. It begins with the idea of basic action that is initiated intentionally by the agent. The chapter discusses three important perspectives viz., agency theory of Roderick. M. Chisholm, causal theory of Donald Davidson and hermeneutic theory of Georg. H. von Wright in action theory to understand the importance of the intentional action. The hermeneutic theory explains basic action by invoking the agent's goals, aims, wants, and purposes. The explanation is agent-centric as aims, wants, and purposes are intrinsic to the agent and are a part of the inner aspect of articulating the action. The performance of a virtuous or normatively guided action would only show how a particular action is being performed when a right course is being taken. The agent chooses the right course of action.
