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An action - /ˈæk ʃən/ is something which is done by an agent.
In common speech, the term action is often used interchangeably with the term behavior.
In the philosophy of action, the behavioral sciences, and the social sciences, however,
a distinction is made: behavior is defined as an automatic and reflexive activity, while
the action is defined as an intentional, purposive, conscious and subjectively meaningful activity.
Thus, throwing a ball is an instance of action; it involves an intention, a goal, and a bodily
movement guided by the agent.
On the other hand, catching a cold is not considered an action because it is something
which happens to a person, not something done by one.
Other events are less clearly defined as actions or not.
For instance, distractedly drumming one's fingers on the table seems to fall somewhere
in the middle.
Deciding to do something might be considered a mental action by some.
However, others think it is not an action unless the decision is carried out.
Unsuccessfully trying to do something might also not be considered an action for similar
reasons.
It is contentious whether believing, intending, and thinking is actions since they are mental
events.
Some would prefer to define actions as requiring bodily movement.
The side effects of actions are considered by some to be part of the action; in an example
from Anscombe's manuscript Intention, pumping water can also be an instance of poisoning
the inhabitants.
This introduces a moral dimension to the discussion.
If the poisoned water resulted in a death, that death might be considered part of the
action of the agent that pumped the water.
Whether a side effect is considered part of an action is especially unclear in cases in
which the agent isn't aware of the possible side effects.
For example, an agent that accidentally cures a person by administering a poison he was
intending to kill him with.
A primary concern of philosophy of action is to analyze the nature of actions and distinguish
them from similar phenomena.
Other concerns include individuating actions, explaining the relationship between actions
and their effects, explaining how an action is related to the beliefs and desires which
cause and/or justify it, as well as examining the nature of agency.
A primary concern is the nature of free will and whether actions are determined by the
mental states that precede them.
Some philosophers have argued that the mental states the agent invokes as justifying his
action are physical states that cause the action.
Problems have been raised for this view because the mental states seem to be reduced to mere
physical causes.
Their mental properties don't seem to be doing any work.
If the reasons an agent cites as justifying his action, however, are not the cause of
the action, they must explain the action in some other way or be causally impotent.
A bit of background, our call to action let's keep offering this.
Action leads to motivation.
All the action for our new folks is not about an office.
Continue without taking positive action but we are taking positive action.
Greatness understanding in action practice over and over.
Great, super action, superhero film.
If you take action and don't have a plan you're probably still going to get somewhere.
I've got to have some action items, not just for you but for me.
I announced my Climate Action Plan.
So cities are where the action is.
The arrows are taking an action on Aardvark.
That's an important action step.
They used to be a little bit of an action, what happens.
You see His grace in action.
You ready for some action?