Puzzles of Practical Reasoning Weakness of Will Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is intentional action?
action done deliberately, voluntarily
an action done for a subjective reason—they (the agent) think they have a reason
What three features must a genuine instance of weakness of will possess?
act intentionally
act against her better judgment
act knowing that she could do the thing that is better
What is a skeptical response to the problem of weakness of will?
A skeptical response denies that genuine weak-willed actions exist. It argues that so-called examples of weakness of will (like eating cake while dieting) don’t actually meet all the necessary conditions—so there’s no real puzzle.
necessary conditions: intentional, aware of better alternative, against better judgment (in this order usually)
What is the view that so-called weak willed actions are not intentional, and how does Davidson respond?
So-called “weak-willed” actions are not truly intentional actions—they happen, but they’re not done on purpose.
Davidson rejects this idea.
He argues that weak-willed actions are intentional, and that’s exactly why they’re puzzling.
What is the view that so-called weak willed actions are not against our better judgement, and how does Davidson respond?
What looks like acting against our better judgment is actually just acting in line with a different, temporary judgment—like what seems better in the moment. So, there’s no real conflict.
Davidson argues that in true cases of weakness of will, the agent maintains their all-things-considered judgment but acts against it intentionally
What is the difference between a conditional and an unconditional argument? and what does each play as a role in practical reasoning?
✅ Conditional Judgments:
These are relative to certain desires or goals.
Example: “Going to the party is more fun than studying.”
✅ Unconditional Judgments (a.k.a. All-Things-Considered Judgments):
These represent what the person believes is best, period.
They take all relevant factors into account (e.g. fun, duty, future consequences).
Example: “Studying is better than partying all things considered.”
- The agent forms an unconditional judgment (e.g. “I should study”).
- But then acts on a conditional judgment (“Going to the party is more fun”).
- They intentionally act on the lesser desire, despite knowing what’s better.
What is the principle of continence?
A person should act in accordance with their all-things-considered judgment of what is best.
What is Davidson’s solution to the puzzle of weakness of will?
weakness of will involves acting against one’s best all things considered judgment, not acting against one’s best judgment.
weak willed agents do what seems best to them. What they don’t do is what seems best to them all things considered!
what is Bratman’s response to Davidson’s solution to the puzzle of weak will?
anyone who follows davidson’s account is stupid
Sam drinking case
Sam is about to get a drink. His friend reminds him that there are much better things to do for himself than drinking. Sam replies: I don’t think it would be best! Do you think I’m such an addition that I could think it best, given how strong my reasons are for not drinking? I think it’s best not to drink. And yet here I am!
