Philosophy of Mind Seminar (Friday - Week 6, MT24)

Abstract: Leveraging interesting cases of improvisation, I develop thoughts about the nature of spontaneous behaviour, and spontaneity’s integration in broader expressions of human agency. I argue that some intentional action is spontaneous – that is, unscripted while at the same time normatively apt. I argue that this undermines leading theories of the control of action, and of intentional action. I argue that this undermines leading views of the relationship of knowledge to action. And I also argue that a more subtle view of agency, one that triangulates spontaneity, knowledge, and control in action, is available.