Description: Rowland Stout presents a new philosophical account of human action which is radically and controversially different from all rival theories. He argues that intentional actions are unique among natural phenomena in that they happen because they should happen, and that they are to be explained in terms of objective facts rather than beliefs and intentions.
Review Quotes: "Clearly and skillfully argued and is a major contribution to action theory and teleological explanation....Highly recommended."--Choice
"Throughout the book Stout shows a mastery of the contemporary discussions of action theory and continually enters into conversation with action theorists of the last three decades...the book certainly merits the close reading it requires and will undoubtedly leave its mark on contemporary discussions of action. Its chief contribution will be to turn the discussions of action toward a more classical and, more importantly, a richer understanding of human agency."--David M. Gallagher, Catholic University of America, International Philosophical Quarterly