What is it to do nothing?

Constantine Sandis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

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Abstract

We should reject any moral theory that rests on the metaphysical assumption that actions—or even their characterisations—can be neatly divided into positive acts of doing and so-called ‘negative’ acts of omitting, refraining, neglecting, and so on. This essay is an attempt to cut loose from the tenacious grip of such a picture and journey towards the elusive Bhagavadian view that all action contains inaction, and vice versa. Should it succeed, the repercussions for the doctrine of doing and allowing and related puzzles concerning moral responsibility are radical.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNegligence, Omissions and Responsibility
Subtitle of host publicationReflecting on Philosophy of Action
EditorsVeronica Rodriguez-Blanco, George Pavlakos
PublisherCambridge University Press
ChapterPArt III chapter 10
Pages187-204
ISBN (Electronic)9781108628228
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Oct 2021

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