Weakness of Will

Abstract

Abstract Weakness of will is generally taken to involve a conflict between practical thought and action ( see Action), such as when we have another glass of wine even though we judge that it would be better to refrain, all things considered. Failures of this kind often lead to imprudence ( see Prudence) and blameworthiness ( see Blame); and they are commonly taken to be paradigmatically irrational ( see Rationality). One interest in weakness of will is practical. Moral philosophy focuses on the nature and causes of the moral failure that is often involved in weakness of will, and examines ways to restore self‐control. Another interest comes from moral psychology ( see Moral Psychology). A better understanding of the nature of weakness of will promises to shed light on practical thought and its relation to motivation ( see Motivation, Moral) and action. In fact, weakness of will is often used as a test case for theories of action and theories of moral reasoning ( see Moral Reasoning).