Abstract

Although many find it easy to accept that we often act habitually, the philosophical debate is still out on what this means. Habitual actions do not fit well with traditional views of action where intentions play an important causal role in the explanation.

In this talk I will argue that habits create a sense of normalcy. This sense can give us a connection to the space of reasons, albeit a different one from the route theories of intentional action have offered.

I will explore similarities and dissimilarities between these two ways humans can act and explore the implications for our normative understanding of ourselves, both as individuals and as part of a collective.