The topic of my research is in an area of philosophy called “practical reason”, in particular regard for intention; its characteristic properties, reasons for intention, and the way it plays a function in the mind. My main goal is to articulate the way people may rationally keep their intentions in the face of temptation. The work I have completed in this area follows from my work in the USS program, where I studied related areas through philosophical readings, to an independent study completed last year, to the present semester where I am taking a class regarding issues related to the issue. My preparation includes “handouts” which summarize key concepts in the area, as well as a paper I am currently working on towards my departmental honors. My main question is: how does temptation, that is the onset of a shift in reason considerations for a particular action against one’s prior best judged action, interact with the reasons we have for keeping our prior intentions. The major findings are as follows. First, there is a distinction between akratia and weakness of will; there is a distinction between the rational failure which exists whenever someone acts against one’s best judgment and the failure that exists whenever someone fails to act on a pre-existing intention. Second, temptation is a problem which confronts weakness of will, and not akratia. Third, one can resist temptation, through strength of will, via having reasons to resist reconsideration of prior intentions. Fourth, there are empirical studies which support these conclusions in psychological experiments. Eventually, I plan to go to law school, and these subject areas help develop critical reading skills, writing skills, as well as learning issues fundamental to the creation of policy. For example, the mens rea in criminal law will often include “intention” or “knowingly” as elements in a crime; there is a distinction between the mens rea which exist, and their usage in the law has philosophical underpinnings.
Author: Cameron Metz
Facundo Alonso, Philosophy
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