The Problem of Akrasia

Paper Summary:

This paper begins by providing an overview of the problem of akrasia, including a definition of the term and a discussion of the view of human nature it implies. This is followed by a discussion of three philosophers' views on akrasia: Socrates, who rejects akrasia; Plato, who accepts it; and Epictetus, who rejects it. An analysis of their views will show that Plato's view, which includes accepting akrasia, is the most plausible, while the views of Socrates and Epictetus have some major flaws.

From the Paper:

"Akrasia is generally described as a weakness of the will. It refers to acting in a way that is contrary to the one's own best interest. The term akrasia actually implies a number of things about human nature. Firstly, it assumes that individuals make decisions on a rational basis. Since, akrasia involves making a decision to act in a way that is contrary to one's own best interests, it assumes that people determine their actions on a rational basis. Secondly, it assumes that people are self-focused. The term does not extend to consider that a person might make a decision based on what is good for society as a whole, what is good for another person, or what society or ethics determines is the right thing to do. Instead, it assumes that a person will make decisions based only on the good for themselves. Finally, the term assumes that people know what is in their own best interests. This raises questions of how a person knows what is best for them, or how people's decisions can be judged on this basis."

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