Acts as Changes

“A popular approach both to the nature of action and the explanation of actions,” writes Alfred Mele, “emphasizes causation” (Mele 1997, 2). Rather than simply being a popular alternative, however, the causal approach currently dominates the field (Frankfurt 1997, 42). Even debates between those who appeal to “agents” and those who appeal to “beliefs, desires, and intentions” are usually mere family feuds. Before I depart along a different route, therefore, a decent respect for the opinions of my colleagues requires me to explain the three difficulties I find blocking the causal path. ²