What is the teleological account of action explanation, and how does it answer Davidson’s arguments in...?
in “Actions, Reasons, and Causes” in favor of a
causal account? Is Sehon correct that teleological explanation is irreducible,
and if so, does that imply the incorrectness of a causal account of action? (If
you want to write about this you should probably look at both of the Sehon
articles.)
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The teleological account of action is the attempt by philosophers to establish causal agencies that act with deliberate willfulness (a reason why) to such extent that their intention has a causal relationship with their behaviors.
Davidson attempts to draw the conclusion that reasons are sufficient to be considered causal explanations, so yes to the first question.
Sehon makes the case for an irreducible explanation (but the subject is still debatable).
There would indeed be a conflict between Davidson's account and Sehon's account but both are causal accounts of action.
Where Davidson will reduce the teleological explanation.
Sehon argues that teleological intention is necessarily an irreducible cause to the effect of action.