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All 8 Flashcards — Agency
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Question
What is an agent?
Answer
A being that acts for its own reasons — a doer — not just something pushed around by causes.
Question
Doing vs happening?
Answer
Doing = you act for a reason of your own. Happening = a cause acts on you, no reason of yours.
Question
The two kinds of 'because'?
Answer
A cause pushes you (reflex/shove) vs a reason you hold guides you (goal/want) — only the second is an action.
Question
Why is agency part of personhood?
Answer
It builds on self-awareness: a person is a doer who acts for reasons, not just a being things happen to.
Question
The 'your reasons were caused' objection?
Answer
Your reasons came from upbringing and brain — so are you really free? A bridge to the freedom topic.
Question
Does a self-driving car have agency?
Answer
Many say no — it follows programmed causes; the reasons aren't its own, held and understood by it.
Question
The three layers of personhood so far?
Answer
Consciousness (feeling) → self-consciousness (knowing yourself) → agency (acting for your own reasons).
Question
A reflex — action or event?
Answer
An event: it has a cause but no reason of your own, so it isn't an exercise of agency.
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Topic 1.4 hub
Personhood
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