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 |
|---|---|
| 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