Action without attention. (15th October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jennings, Carolyn Dicey; Nanay, Bence
• Is Part Of: Analysis. Volume 76:Number 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2014-10-15
• Subjects: action -- reflex -- attention -- Many–Many Problem -- anarchic hand syndrome; Philosophy -- Periodicals; 105
• DOI: 10.1093/analys/anu096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2638

Abstract

Abstract: Wayne Wu argues that attention is necessary for action: since action requires a solution to the 'Many–Many Problem', and since only attention can solve the Many–Many Problem, attention is necessary for action. We question the first of these two steps and argue that it is based on an oversimplified distinction between actions and reflexes. We argue for a more complex typology of behaviours where one important category is action that does not require a solution to the Many–Many Problem, and so does not require attention.