Self-control is a fundamental part of what it is to be a human being. It poses important philosophical and psychological questions about the nature of belief, motivation, judgment, and decision making. More immediately, failures of self-control can have high costs, resulting in ill-health, loss of relationships, and even violence and death, whereas strong self-control is also often associated with having a virtuous character. What exactly is self-control? If we lose control can we still be free? Can we be held responsible for loss of self-control?
In this thorough and clearly written introduction to the philosophy of self-control the authors examine and assess the following topics and questions:
- The importance of self-control
- What is self-control?
- Self-control and the law of desire
- Mechanisms of self-control
- How is it possible to lose self-control?
- Blameworthiness and (the loss of) self-control
- Externa
