Epstein on groups: virtues of the status account. Issue 2 (7th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hindriks, Frank
• Is Part Of: Inquiry. Volume 62:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2019-02-07
• Subjects: Epstein -- group agents -- status account; Philosophy -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Philosophy -- Periodicals; Social Sciences -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Philosophie -- Périodiques; Sciences sociales -- Philosophie -- Périodiques; 105
• DOI: 10.1080/0020174X.2017.1289696
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-174X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Epstein compares models of group agents that focus on their internal organization to models that focus on the statuses they have. He argues that status models are inadequate because agency is not something that can be attributed by fiat. Even if this is true, however, certain agential powers can be attributed to group agents. I argue that Epstein's arguments stand to benefit a lot from recognizing that some group agents have statuses and constitute corporate agents. For instance, only corporate agents can exist without having members.