How Choices Can Be Actions

Abstract

Abstract Choices are a key component of the phenomenology of agency. However, upon closer examination they appear almost paradoxical. Intuitively, choices are ‘up to us’ in the same way that intentional actions are, but at the same time, choices are made for reasons, unless they are just random picking. This chapter discusses how the earlier chapters in the investigation can shed light on this apparent paradox. Building on Holton’s account of choice, the chapter argues that choices are intentional actions. But in contrast to Holton, the chapter suggests that choices do not just feel like picking but that they consist in the metacognitive managing of the decision process.