An
action is something which is done by an
agent. In common speech, the term action is often used interchangeably with the term behavior. In the
philosophy of action, the
behavioural sciences, and the
social sciences, however, a distinction is made: behavior is defined as automatic and reflexive activity, while action is defined as intentional, purposive, conscious and subjectively meaningful activity . Thus, throwing a ball is an instance of action; it involves an intention, a goal, and a bodily movement guided by the agent. On the other hand, catching a cold is not considered an action because it is something which happens
to a person, not something done
by one.