[ExI] agency-based personal identity

[Jef Allbright]

On 6/27/07, Thomas <thomas at thomasoliver.net> wrote:

> I think of will as agency.

Consider a newborn infant.  It functions on its own behalf, at least
enough to find and suck on a nipple, but it yet lacks a model of
itself as a self.

Is there agency?
It certainly acts on its environment relative to its values so there
is agency, not yet in its own mind, but assigned in the minds of other
observers.

Is there a will?
Whose will would be exercised, when there is not yet a model of self?

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agency_%28philosophy%29>
<http://www.open2.net/healthliving/family_childdevelopment/2005/what_is_self.html>

- Jef