CONCEPTIONS OF ACTION

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the meaning of «action» and to analyze its standard definition in the form of a nominal structure. We start from the view that «to act» refers to any human action or its omission, which are guided by certain reasons and directed to certain ends. Taking into account the deficiencies of the nominal structure we aim to develop a predicative structure of action. We argue that the meaning of action is inseparably linked with two elements: first, the speaker verbalizes action in the form of language games that contain predicative components; and second, these components become manifest in a particular form of life. As such, the essential features of the content of an action become apparent by the explicit structure in which the speaker verbalizes actions. The order according to which every action is performed allows us to gain a perspicuous representation of it. An analysis of the grammar that accompanies action reveals the holistic program and established institution by which such action was taught, trained and acquired