THE PROBLEM OF THE PROBLEM OF AKRASIA

Abstract

The essay is concerned to explain what the conditions are which make for a "problem of "akrasia"," i.E., What the ingredients of the problem are. It is suggested that a number of attempts to solve the problem are wanting, In that they fail to address the correct, Generic, Problem, A problem which, Among other things which it is not, Is not a peculiarly moral problem. The essay suggests that "assent" is the key notion, And that the problem of "akrasia" should be understood as a problem of how it is possible to act contrary to that to which one assents.