A Theory of the Explanation of Human Action in Terms of the Reasons Given for the Action

FAIN: FB-12522-75

Ewing Y. Chinn
Trinity University (San Antonio, TX 78212-4674)

Long range goal of this study is to reconcile two disparate modes of understanding human actions: understanding in terms of the underlying causes of the action and understanding in terms of the agent's reasons for his action. This study opposes the view that these two modes are irreconcilable because the giving of reasons for an action provide no knowledge of what induced the person to act and is thus not explanatory (in a scientific sense) of that action. Study will also take into account the approach that reasons do indirectly cause us to act and that the giving of reasons .enter into an explanation of the action. A new theory of the explanation of human action will be developed.