Religion 35 - You Are What You Do (Ch. 2)
Humans have the capacity to act. This capacity to act gives us freedom, freedom that
cannot be found within animals. This human capacity to be an agent is at the heart of
ethics.
An agent is defined as person who freely and knowingly, chooses to do or not do
something; a person who is accountable for his or her actions or omissions.
Action Theory
Analytic Philosophy gives us insight into this human capacity. It provides for us the
language we use to communicate our action, and explored what is classified as a
meaningful action.
Analytic Philosophy developed in the 1920s surrounds the idea that if anything has
meaning, there must be some sensory experience (sight, smell, touch, measure, hearing,
etc…) to back it up. The concept of “free will” is a major obstacle to those who are firm
believers in analytic philosophy.
Human Actions
Human actions are the most important building blocks of who we are and who we
become. They make us who we are today. This is why it is important to look at the both
the action and the person as well. Freedom is the human potential, the ability, the power
to act. Therefore when we use freedom, we change things, we make a different in those
around us. Hence the focus of action theory is on who the action is done by, not what is
done. In every action there is an agent involved, someone who has the freedom to make a
difference in society.
Conceptual Framework of Action
Conceptual Framework of Action is a theory used to explain the concept of human
action. Originally developed by Paul Ricoeur, the framework surrounds the following
questions:
Who? – is the agent (person) who makes things happen. Each person has the capacity
(energy or power) to act as well as the ability to intend to act. Catholic
tradition calls for free choice however with that free choice we are
responsible for what we do and for what we intend to do. By intending to
do something we help shape our future and what we do in the present.
What? – is the action itself, what the agent (person) has done. The actions we commit or
intend to commit shape who we are. Ethics is concerned with the
intentional actions, the meaningful actions that we do.
Why? – is the motive for doing the action, the reason why it was done. The motive is the
justification for an action by appealing to a value that makes the action
right. Ethics becomes involved when reflecting on the values that
influence ones decisions and ones intentions.
How? With What Means? – is the method for which an agent (person) carries out an
action. Furthermore, the way one carries out an action will say something
about the type of person they are.
Under What Circumstances? – is the situation surrounding an action the agent (person)
commits. The circumstances will impact ones level of responsibility. It
will also worsen or enhance the outcome of ones action.
With Whom or Against Whom? – is when an agent (person) seeks approval or disapproval
of another individual. An action is also an interaction, whether it is with
others or against others.
With What Outcome? – is the result of the agents (person) action, whether intended or
not. Each action or intent affects the self in a good or bad way.
It is important to note that this framework explains that an action is only good when it
fulfills certain conditions and that an action cannot be good in itself. The integrity of
human acts depends on a) the object chosen, b) the intention, and c) the circumstance
around the action.
Human Freedom
When one exercises their human freedom, the action makes a mark or change in the
world. We are free because we have possibilities, though many unrealized possibilities.
You can reach into your future by giving your word today and keeping it because these
promises and commitments orientate your future.
The capacity to act intentionally has been identified as a spiritual quality. Many
philosophers disagree on how to explain the human ability to initiate an action. Some
suggest that if there is intent to act but nothing is done than there was no action whereas
many suggest there were chemical and neural changes as a result of the thought of intent.
Naturalism
Naturalism believes the material universe is built around a unified system involving
physical, biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors: science reigns
supreme. Everything, including humanity, is part of a cause and effect chain which
results in a conflict with the notion of human freedom. Naturalism believes that
everything one does is due to genetic disposition. This idea means you cannot control
what you do because your genes are programmed to control your actions therefore
excusing any responsibility for our actions.
The philosophy behind artificial intelligence is naturalism because they both focus on the
human brain and its neural networks. Naturalism views the brain and the body as objects
that are separate the self.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability for a machine, like a computer, to replicate
human cognitive mental states. There are two types of AI:
Strong AI – the idea of replicating human cognitive mental states
Weak AI – the idea that computers can simulate some thinking-like features, but no more.
The Mind-Brain Distinction
Our society today believes that the mind is simply the brain at work. The Catholic Church
believes that the human mind is much more than physical functions like perception,
thinking, learning, and decision-making. The mind provides a capacity for freedom,
choice, or action. The mind is at the root of the human ability to receive God’s revelation
of faith, to understand His message and to live in hope, and live a life of loving service.
Religious Determinism
Religion determinism surrounds the idea of how religion can affect our freedom and our
choices. There are three specific beliefs systems that look at religious determinism.
Predestination – God predetermines the course of the world, human action, and history.
This leaves no room for human freedom and subsequently no human free will because
with no freedom there is
Providence – God has influences events and actions. Catholics believe in this perspective
as it allows for free will and human freedom.
Puritan Tradition – belief that sin has deprived humans and as a result we live our lives
in eternal damnation. This beliefs suggests that God does not want to save everyone
because they believe God loves some and rejects others. Salvation is God’s initiative of
love however God’s love requires and makes possible our cooperation. Catholics reject
this belief system.
Social Determinism
Social determinism is similar to naturalism which suggests that behaviour can be
determined by the influences of others like parents, teachers, social background, race,
gender, age, etc…Ones past determines who a person is and their behaviours can be
explained by social factors, not ones decisions. Sigmund Freud says that when one puts
their experiences into ones unconscious mind, the conscious mind does not have to deal
with it directly. One cannot be free unless one reconnects with the repression. Everything
in ones life makes up their identity.
Who, then, is the Self?
The self is built up of one’s identity. Everything from one’s past and one’s present life
builds up to form one’s identity however that past and present are not the complete
picture. Human action provides us with an opportunity to project ourselves into the future
by making promises, commitments, and choices that will affect our identity.