Those interested in doing action theory (including practical reasoning, free will, and moral psychology) need to think carefully about job prospects for those doing work in the philosophy of action. Unfortunately, action theorists are consigned to the philosophical kitchen, as it were, by those not doing work in the field. Some, particularly those incapable of divorcing themselves from academic trendiness, (mistakenly) think the field is dead. But a quick glance at the philosopher's index will prove otherwise. There is a lot of new work being published on topics in action theory or directly related to action theory. Admittedly as an area within the philosophy of mind, the philosophy of action has taken backseat to debates over consciousness and other topics. Nonetheless, it seems that work in the other areas in the philosophy of mind have implications for the philosophy of action and vice versa (particularly work on perception, self-knowledge, mental causation, and consciousness). Additionally, work in epistemology, metaphysics, and moral philosophy have implications for the work being done by action theorists, and action theorists may have much to contribute in turn.

In light of what I've said above, it seems that other young action theorists would do best by not specializing narrowly in the philosophy of action, but specialize in other areas as well, making the philosophy of action into a subspecialization or an area of specialization on par with another area. This doesn't mean that young action theorists shouldn't consider writing theses on topics germane to the philosophy of action; but it seems best that one should do so in a manner that allows for one's work not to be taken by outsiders as something that will only be of interest to a small group of specialists and will effectively marginalize one. For example, while I did my master's thesis at Texas A&M University on the etiology of free action under the direction of Hugh McCann, I was advised by some to make sure that I had other areas I was equally competent in and to consider writing a doctoral thesis in another area. Thus, I am doing my PhD thesis on doxastic voluntarism. This allows me to do something in another area while still continuing to do research in the philosophy of action.

None of what I'm saying should be taken as discouraging other students from doing work in action theory. I happen to be in a PhD program (University of Rochester) that is strong in epistemology, not action theory, so it makes sense for me to shift gears a bit. (Although I should note that I am fortunate enough to have a professor with interests in the philosophy of action and the free will problem--Richard Feldman--and another with interests in mental causation--David Braun, which allowed me to do my secondary area of specialization exam in the philosophy of action.) One needs to be creative if doing work in action theory for one's thesis to avoid being shunned, it seems. I suppose that if one is at one of the schools in the top twenty or in one of the top action theory schools, this is less of a problem. At any rate, these are my thoughts on the matter, informed somewhat by what some professors at different schools have told me.