more from Roderick Chisholm

Single Idea 15824

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 5. Action Dilemmas / c. Omissions]

Full Idea

If a man does not respond to a greeting, if he was unaware that he was addressed then his failure to respond may be a mere omission. But if he intended to snub the man, then he could be said to have 'committed the omission'.

Gist of Idea

There are mere omissions (through ignorance, perhaps), and people can 'commit an omission'

Source

Roderick Chisholm (Person and Object [1976], 2.6)

Book Reference

Chisholm,Roderick: 'Person and Object' [Open Court 1976], p.73


A Reaction

Chisholm has an extensive knowledge of Catholic theology. These neat divisions are subject to vagueness and a continuum of cases in real life.