Abstract
I examine the following question: Do actions require representations that
are intrinsic to the action itself? Recent work by Mark Rowlands, Michael Wheeler, and Andy Clark suggests that actions may require a minimal form of representation. I argue that the various concepts of minimal representation on offer do not apply to action per se and that a non-representationalist account that focuses on dynamic systems of self-organizing continuous reciprocal causation at the sub-personal level is superior. I further recommend a scientific pragmatism regarding the concept of representation.
are intrinsic to the action itself? Recent work by Mark Rowlands, Michael Wheeler, and Andy Clark suggests that actions may require a minimal form of representation. I argue that the various concepts of minimal representation on offer do not apply to action per se and that a non-representationalist account that focuses on dynamic systems of self-organizing continuous reciprocal causation at the sub-personal level is superior. I further recommend a scientific pragmatism regarding the concept of representation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 351-69 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | International Journal of Philosophical Studies |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 1 Jul 2008 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2008 |
Keywords
- action
- action oriented representation
- decoupleability
- pre-intentional act
- dynamic systems