Alternative Action Theory

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XVII

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2. The Nature of Logic and the Concept of the Logic of Norms

   • Ota Weinberger

   Pages 1-36

3. Once more: Is and Ought

   • Ota Weinberger

   Pages 37-51

4. Practical Rationality

   • Ota Weinberger

   Pages 53-75

5. Design of an Alternative Action Theory

   • Ota Weinberger

   Pages 77-93

6. Fundamental Concepts and Theses of the Formal-Finalistic Action Theory

   • Ota Weinberger

   Pages 95-124

7. On the Idea of Practical Inference

   • Ota Weinberger

   Pages 125-144

8. From Deontic Logic to the Genuine Logic of Norms

   • Ota Weinberger

   Pages 145-188

9. Is Willing Liberum Arbitrium?

   • Ota Weinberger

   Pages 189-227

10. Action and Institution

    • Ota Weinberger

    Pages 229-260

11. The Democracy Problem from a Neo-Institutionalistic Point of View

    • Ota Weinberger

    Pages 261-285

12. Back Matter

    Pages 287-320

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Action is conceived of as an intentional behavior of an individual or of an institutional subject; it is determined by information processing, namely by a process in which pieces of descriptive and practical information are involved. Action is explained by a formal and finalistic theory which is connected with a specific theory of institutions. The philosophical basis of the logic of norm sentences and of other systems of practical thinking (formal teleology, axiology, logic of preferences) is discussed. The author criticizes traditional deontic logic and argues in favor of a genuine logic of norms. The book gives a structure analysis of the so-called practical inference and of nomic causal propositions. Besides a critical account of von Wright's practical philosophy the author offers critical analyses of discourse rationality (Habermas, Apel, Alexy) and of Wittgenstein's views on philosophizing.
The book addresses readers interested in philosophical logic, practical philosophy, sociology of institutions, legal philosophy, and theory democracy.

• Jürgen Habermas
• Ludwig Wittgenstein
• action theory
• argue
• deontic logic
• logic

• Karl-Franzens-Universität, Institut für Rechtsphilosophie, Rechtssoziologie und Rechtsinformatik, Graz, Austria

  Ota Weinberger

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