title: On the general concepts of action and ability. A philosophical introduction to the theory of handicaps.
abstract: The main task of this paper is to contribute to the theory of disabilities and handicaps, in particular their characterization and classification. It presents an analysis of the conditions for the successful performance of actions. By this procedure a list of reasons for failure of action, i.e., for disability and handicap, is obtained. This list can be used for a detailed classification of disabilities and handicaps. Some theories in modern philosophical action theory serve as platforms for the analysis.
authors.affiliation: Linköping University.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nordenfelt
mesh_terms: D001519:Behavior; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification; D006801:Humans; D010686:Philosophy, Medical