“意志薄弱”与行动因果论——兼论唐纳德·戴维森对“非理性悖论”的消解

Weak Will and the Causal Theory of Action——Also on Donald Davidson's Resolution of the“Irrational Paradox”

哲学史上围绕“意志薄弱”的讨论由来已久,戴维森不赞同将此问题与道德软弱或知识匮乏(遗忘)相混淆的古希腊式解释思路,而主张将问题从道德性中剥离出来,直接考察行动自身。戴维森基于行动的因果解释,以不自制为切入点,探讨了非理性行动的悖论及本质。戴维森重构行动合理性的论证,强调非理性行动中符合最佳判断的理由与因果上最强的行动理由二者间的差别。通过“意图”概念的引入,戴维森论证意志薄弱无法证伪行动合理性,从而消解了非理性悖论难题。

On the issue of“weakness of will”,Davidson disagrees with the ancient Greek interpretation that is confused with moral weakness.He advocates separating the problem from morality and directly examining“action”itself.Taking the incontinence action as an entry point,Davidson discusses the paradox and the nature of irrational action.He provides a causal explanation of“weakness of will”and reconstructs the argument for the rationality of action,emphasizing the difference between“two reasons”.Through the introduction of the concept of“intention”,Davidson arguing that weak will cannot actually falsify the rationality of action,thus dissolving the puzzle of the irrational paradox.