Ruben, David-Hillel (2013) Trying in some way. Australasian Journal of Philosophy 91 (4), pp. 719-733. ISSN 0004-8402.
Abstract
Most discussions about trying assume that the expression ‘person P's trying to ϕ’ refers to a particular of some sort. These discussions then differ amongst themselves about to which metaphysical type these particulars belong: mental particulars, brain states, or physical actions are three of the most obvious candidates. This paper examines that assumption and in particular considers an argument of Davidsonian inspiration that might be used in its favour, which is based on the fact that the verb ‘try’ appears to take adverbial modification. Reasons are offered for rejecting this Davidsonian line of argument. A further argument for rejecting the assumption that ‘P's trying to ϕ’ is a genuinely referring expression is modelled on Jonathan Bennett's discussion of event names.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keyword(s) / Subject(s): | trying, events, Davidson, adverbial modification |
| School: | Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Historical Studies |
| Depositing User: | Sarah Hall |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Dec 2014 17:39 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Aug 2023 17:14 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/11259 |
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