Review of: Alfred Mele’s Autonomous Agents (Oxford University Press, 1995)
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Terrance C. McConnell, Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: Part 1 of Autonomous Agents develops a conception of an ideally self-controlled
person and argues that such a person can fall short of personal autonomy.
Part 2 addresses what must be added to self-control in order to yield autonomy.
Chapter 1 explains that akrasia is a trait of character exhibited in uncompelled,
intentional behavior that goes against the agent's best judgment. The
contrary trait, self-control, is exhibited in behavior that conforms to best judgment
in the face of temptation. Self-controlled individuals possess both significant
motivation to conduct themselves as they judge best and a capacity to
do what it takes so to conduct themselves. Self-control may be regional or
global, and it comes in degrees. It is important because, though decisive better
judgments are formed on the basis of our evaluation of the objects of desire,
the motivational force of our desires is not always in accord with our
evaluations.
Review of: Alfred Mele’s Autonomous Agents (Oxford University Press, 1995)
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Created on 3/14/2011
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Ethics 107(2) (January), pp. 346-349.
- Language: English
- Date: 1997
- Keywords
- Autonomy, Book review, Philosophy