Autonomous Agents: From Self-Control to Autonomy - Softcover

Mele, Alfred R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195150430 ISBN 13: 9780195150438

Publisher: Oxford University Press USA, 2001

Synopsis

Autonomous Agents addresses the related topics of self-control and individual autonomy. "Self-control" is defined as the opposite of akrasia-weakness of will. The study of self-control seeks to understand the concept of its own terms, followed by an examination of its bearing on one's actions, beliefs, emotions, and personal values. It goes on to consider how a proper understanding of self-control and its manifestations can shed light on personal autonomy and autonomous behaviour. Perspicuous, objective, and incisive throughout, Alfred Mele makes a convincing case for the value of individual autonomy.

About this title

Review

The book is a major contribution to the philosophical literature on action, self-control, freedom, and autonomy, and it should be read by anyone with a serious interest in these issues (MIND, Vol.110, No.439)

Autonomous Agents is an intricate, careful, and closely argued study, one that is well informed by relevant work from psychology as well as philosophy (MIND, Vol.110, No.439)

Mele is a clear, careful writer. His book challenges the reader to reflect seriously on the meaning of self-control and autonomy ... Mele has hit his mark in this well-argued, engaging, and thought-provoking book. (John Ranieri, The Review of Metaphysics)

extremely interesting and carefully argued book ... His general approach, which is fresh and original, runs as follows. He articulates a model of the ideally self-controlled person and argues that even such a person can fall short of autonomy, or self-government. ... Mele has a finely tuned sense of the 'pull', or intuitive appeal, of both compatabilism and incompatibilism. (Philosophical Psychology, vol.10, no.1, 1997)

From the Back Cover

This book addresses the related topics of self-control and individual autonomy. "Self-control" is defined as the opposite of akrasia - weakness of will. The study of self-control seeks first to understand the concept on its own terms, and its bearing on one's actions, beliefs, emotions, and personal values. It goes on to consider how a proper understanding of self-control and its manifestations can shed light on personal autonomy and autonomous behavior.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press USA
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195150430
• ISBN 13: 9780195150438
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288