Weakness of Will and Time Preference

Abstract

This paper presents a theory of akrasia that draws essentially on the notion of time preference. When we make a decision over which course of action to pursue, it often happens that what can be obtained in the near future motivates us more strongly than what lies temporally further afield, although we are aware that the latter is to be evaluated more highly than the former. This is the effect of time preference, and I will argue that it plays a crucial role if we are to understand how our behaviour can exhibit weakness of will.