Akrasia

Definition

Akrasia refers to a state of acting against one's better judgment, where an individual knows what they should do but fails to follow through due to weakness of will. This concept is significant in discussions about human behavior, moral psychology, and ethics, particularly in relation to virtue and the nature of decision-making. It raises questions about the relationship between knowledge, desire, and action, illustrating the complexities of moral reasoning and self-control.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Akrasia is often illustrated by situations where individuals procrastinate or indulge in unhealthy habits, despite knowing better.
2. Socrates famously argued that akrasia does not truly exist, claiming that if one knows the good, one will do the good.
3. The distinction between weakness of will and moral failure is important in understanding akrasia; akrasia does not imply a lack of moral understanding.
4. Akrasia can lead to feelings of guilt and regret, as individuals recognize the gap between their knowledge and their actions.
5. In contemporary discussions, akrasia is linked to modern psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance and behavioral economics.

Review Questions

• How does Socratic intellectualism relate to the concept of akrasia, and what implications does this have for understanding human behavior?
  • Socratic intellectualism posits that knowledge inherently leads to virtuous action, which directly challenges the existence of akrasia. If one knows what is right, Socrates argues that there would be no reason for acting contrary to that knowledge. This perspective suggests that weaknesses in human behavior stem from ignorance rather than a true conflict between reason and desire. Understanding this relationship highlights the importance of education and self-awareness in overcoming akrasia.
• In what ways does akrasia complicate the application of virtue ethics in moral decision-making?
  • Akrasia complicates virtue ethics by introducing the challenge of aligning one's character with one's actions. While virtue ethics emphasizes developing good character traits that lead to virtuous actions, akrasia illustrates the struggle many face when they know what is right but fail to act accordingly. This disconnect raises questions about how virtues can be cultivated in practice, as individuals must confront their weaknesses and desires when striving for moral excellence.
• Evaluate the significance of addressing akrasia in contemporary discussions on self-control and behavioral economics, particularly regarding decision-making.
  • Addressing akrasia is crucial in contemporary discussions because it sheds light on how people often make choices that contradict their long-term interests due to immediate desires or impulses. In behavioral economics, understanding akrasia helps explain phenomena like procrastination or overspending, as individuals might recognize better options yet still choose less beneficial paths. By evaluating akrasia within this context, researchers can develop strategies to enhance self-control and promote better decision-making frameworks that align with individuals' long-term goals.

Related terms

Socratic Intellectualism: The belief that knowledge is a necessary and sufficient condition for virtuous action; if someone truly knows what is right, they will act accordingly.

Virtue Ethics: An ethical theory that emphasizes the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy, focusing on what it means to live a good life.

Willpower: The ability to resist short-term temptations in order to meet long-term goals, often discussed in the context of self-control and discipline.