The Problem of Negligent Omissions : Medieval Action Theories to the Rescue

Negligent omissions, cases in which an agent unintentionally forgets to fulfill an obligation, are philosophically problematic. They are problematic because they are considered blameworthy despite the fact that the conditions for voluntariness often appear unfulfilled. In an attempt to explain how they may be voluntary, this book delves into the action theories of Aristotle, Anselm, Aquinas, Scotus, and Suárez. In doing so, not only is the philosophical (and theological) importance of negligent omissions demonstrated via new and insightful interpretations, but a complex model for explaining the voluntariness of negligent omissions is constructed. The result is an original solution to the problem of negligent omissions that demonstrates the utility of appealing to historical approaches to solve contemporary philosophical and theological problems. Introduction : What's The Problem? -- The Problem May Lurk In Aristotle's Ethics -- Aristotle's Akratic : Foreshadowing A Solution -- A Negligent Omission At The Root Of All Sinfulness : Anselm And The Devil -- Negligent Vs. Non-negligent : A Thomistic Distinction Directing Us Toward A Solution -- Can I Have Your Divided Attention? : Scotus, Indistinct Intellections, And Type-1 Negligent Omissions Almost Solved -- I Can't Get You Out Of My Mind : Scotus, Lingering Indistinct Intellections, And Type-2 Negligent Omissions -- Scotus's Affection-ate Corrective : A Possible Final Solution To A Type-2 Variant -- Neglected Treatises Help Solve Negligence : The Action Theory Of Francisco Suarez -- An Answer That Cannot Be Neglected : The Solution -- Appendix A : Translation Of Nicomachean Ethics 1146b31-1147b19. By Michael Barnwell. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Through insightful interpretations of the action theories propounded by Aristotle, Anselm, Aquinas, Scotus, and Suárez, this book demonstrates the philosophical and theological importance of negligent omissions and constructs a model by which the problem of their voluntariness can be solved. Through insightful interpretations of the action theories propounded by Aristotle, Anselm, Aquinas, Scotus, and Suarez, this book demonstrates the philosophical and theological importance of negligent omissions and constructs a model by which the problem of their voluntariness can be solved