Tadeusz Kotarbiński’s Action Theory

The book introduces Tadeusz Kotarbiński’s philosophy of action into the mainstream of contemporary action-theoretical debates. Piotr Makowski shows that Kotarbiński–Alfred Tarski’s teacher and one of the most important philosophers of the renowned Lvov-Warsaw school—proposed a groundbreaking, original, and (in at least a few respects) still fresh perspective in action theorizing. The book examines and develops Kotarbiński’s ideas in the context of the most recent discussions in the philosophy of action. The main idea behind Kotarbiński’s action theory—and thus, behind this book—is the significance of the philosophical investigations of the general conditions of effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of intentional actions. Makowski presents and reinterprets Kotarbiński’s views on these dimensions of our activities and sheds new light on the most important areas of action theory. 

“Tadeusz Kotarbiński is not well-known to contemporary philosophy of action, but his work is well worth studying, as Piotr Makowski shows in this thorough examination of Kotarbiński's work.  Most important is Kotarbiński's theory of ‘efficient action.’ Makowski shows how this theory can cast light on issues about morality, rationality, intentional action, planning, ‘automatic actions,’ and cooperative joint agency.” (David Copp, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, University of California, Davis, USA)

“In this book, Piotr Makowski gives not only a very accurate review of Kotarbiński’s ideas and their philosophical background, but offers several comparisons of the original version of praxiology with recent related accounts. He also develops Kotarbiński’s philosophy of practicality. Makowski’s study is anoriginal and important contribution to the philosophy of action.” (Jan Woleński, Professor of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland)

“This book is an elegant presentation of comparative studies providing insight into an effective philosopher’s workshop. It is a really good piece of philosophical work.” (Wojciech W. Gasparski, Professor Emeritus, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland)

“The proposal offers a useful, timely, and original contribution to the field. It would shed light upon work that has received little attention while making a contribution to action theory, a major subfield of contemporary analytic philosophy.” (Fritz McDonald, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Oakland University, USA)

“Tadeusz Kotarbinski may be considered one of the fathers of action theory. His original ideas were developed a long time before action theory became an important topic in analytical philosophy. However, his theory is widely ignored in mainstream analytical action theory. Piotr Makowski’s book changes this. Makowski not only presents with perfect competence Kotarbinski’s thoughts, he also provides his own penetrating arguments.” (Gerhard Seel, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Bern, Switzerland)

“This book is a must-read for anybody working in the philosophy of action. In this re-interpretative study Makowski shows how the praxiology of Tadeusz Kotarbinski constitutes a theory of efficient action that has been unjustly neglected by contemporary action theorists. Makowski persuasively argues that a re-evaluation of praxiology enables us to make better progress with a range of issues, from reasons and rationality to shared agency and planning. It is time we give Kotarbinski his rightful place in the canon.” (Constantine Sandis, Professor of Philosophy, University of Hertfordshire, UK)

“This book fills a gap in philosophy of action's literature by presenting and critically analyzing the original views of Tadeusz Kotarbinski, one of the leading members of the famous Lwów–Warsaw school of logic and philosophy. Fully aware of the contemporary debate, Makowski offers a very refreshing contribution—one that action theorists around the world should not ignore.” (Mario De Caro, Professor of Philosophy, Roma Tre University, Italy; Tufts University, USA)

“In Piotr Makowski’s newbook, Kotarbinski’s work finally gets its modern, up-to-date interpretation by a competent philosopher. Kotarbinski was a true genius whose praxiology also includes many aspects of action theory and its practical ramifications. This book provides a novel approach to the core issues of the current debates on intentions, reasons for action, and joint action. Kotarbinki’s relevance here is indeed undeniable.” (Timo Airaksinen, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Helsinki, Finland)

“Piotr Makowski must be commended for introducing contemporary scholars and students of the philosophy of action to Kotarbinski's action theory; but this book is much more than just an historical contribution, as the very interesting chapter on automatic actions testifies.” (Ezio Di Nucci, Associate Professor of Medical Ethics, University of Copenhagen, Denmark) 

Piotr Makowski is Assistant Professor at the Institute of Philosophy, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland. His current research interests embrace action theory, philosophy of psychology, and theories of rationality. He has presented his ideas at conferences and seminars in America, Europe, and Asia. He is an awardee of the Fulbright Foundation and the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.