Action, Emotion and Will

Action, Emotion and Will examines the philosophical concepts of human behavior, mental states, and voluntary action. Kenny analyzes these topics through both historical and contemporary philosophical frameworks. The book establishes key distinctions between emotions, feelings, and other mental states while investigating their relationship to human will and agency. Kenny draws on examples from psychology and ordinary experience to ground abstract concepts in concrete reality. The text progresses through detailed analyses of action theory, emotional states, decision-making processes, and the nature of voluntary behavior. The arguments engage with major philosophical works on these topics while developing original perspectives. Kenny's systematic treatment of action and emotion points to fundamental questions about human nature and free will. The work connects traditional philosophical problems to modern discussions of consciousness, behavior, and moral responsibility.

Readers note the book's clear analysis of emotion, will, and action concepts, with strong arguments against Wittgenstein's views. Academic reviewers appreciate Kenny's systematic breakdown of voluntary vs involuntary actions and his examination of emotion categories. Liked: - Precise definitions and categorizations - Strong philosophical arguments against behaviorism - Clear writing style for complex topics - Rigorous analysis of everyday concepts Disliked: - Dense academic language makes it difficult for non-philosophers - Some arguments feel dated (particularly on psychology) - Limited engagement with contemporary emotion research - Repetitive in certain sections Ratings/Reviews: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (21 ratings) Amazon: No reviews available PhilPapers: Referenced in 1,214 works A philosophy professor on PhilPapers wrote: "Kenny's distinctions between emotions, feelings, and moods remain valuable, though his dismissal of physiological factors requires updating."

The Concept of Mind by Gilbert Ryle Ryle's analysis of mental concepts and critique of Cartesian dualism explores the relationship between mind, action, and behavior through a philosophical lens similar to Kenny's approach.

Intention by G.E.M. Anscombe This work examines the nature of intentional action and practical reasoning, building on themes central to Kenny's investigation of will and emotion.

The Emotions: A Philosophical Exploration by Peter Goldie Goldie develops a comprehensive theory of emotions that connects with Kenny's treatment while incorporating perspectives from phenomenology and cognitive science.

The Possibility of Practical Reason by David Velleman This book investigates the connection between practical reasoning and human agency, complementing Kenny's analysis of action and will.

Mind and World by John McDowell McDowell's examination of the relationship between mind, experience, and action provides a broader context for understanding the themes in Kenny's work.

🔹 Published in 1963, this book was one of the first major philosophical works to systematically examine emotions from an analytical perspective while challenging the then-dominant behaviorist theories. 🔹 Anthony Kenny drew heavily on Aristotle's work on emotions and developed a cognitive theory of emotions that influenced later philosophers like Robert Solomon and Martha Nussbaum. 🔹 The book breaks new ground by arguing that emotions are neither purely physical sensations nor simply judgments, but rather involve both cognitive and physical elements working together. 🔹 Kenny was just 32 years old when he wrote this influential work, which he completed while serving as a Catholic priest (he later left the priesthood to pursue an academic career). 🔹 The book's analysis of intentionality in emotion - the idea that emotions are always about something - remains influential in contemporary discussions of artificial intelligence and machine consciousness.