PHL100Y1 Lecture Notes - Magic In Harry Potter, Arche, Hypnosis
Document Summary
Aristotle devotes ne 3. 1-5 to issues of what nowadays is called action theory : the underlying distinctions, mechanics and principles behind straightforward cases of (im) moral action, surprisingly hard to get straight, three topics are discussed here. Rational choice, deliberation and the relation of means to ends. An action is involuntary if its originating principle is not within the agent: happens in two ways. Either action originates outside of the agent, who contributes nothing at all to the action (e. g. hypnotism, mere reflex actions, the imperius curse) Has to do with the deep point that actions flow from character and character is reasonably stable across circumstances. A distinction is often drawn between commissions and omissions in moral action: the most familiar version is the case of killing someone as opposed to letting the person die, two issues. Whether such a distinction can be drawn clearly and coherently.
