Framing the Question

Abstract

In this chapter, I frame my question. My explicandum is the moment in which you are inclined, but not thereby determined, to φ‎. I call this “the moment of drama.” I want to know what challenges and opportunities we are faced with, in this moment. My question arises out of a distinctive philosophical method, one that differs from the standard method in philosophy of mind and action. The standard method asks, “what happens when someone acts?” My method, which is inspired by Kant, asks, “what am I doing, insofar as I am acting?” I explain how this method leads me to take the moment of drama as my explicandum. Finally, I preview three features of the relation between inclination and will that characterize this moment: being inclined to φ‎ is a non-voluntary condition that exerts asymmetric pressure on the will, while also playing a deliberative role.