Akrasia Understanding Your Choices

Why do we do things that are bad for us? Even ancient philosophers grappled with this question

If you've ever started a new workout plan only to abandon it, or promised yourself a healthy dinner only to order pizza, you're not alone. Making sound judgements about what's best for us doesn't always translate to actually following through with those decisions. This puzzling disconnect, where we knowingly act against what we believe to be best for us, was a topic that fascinated ancient Greek philosophers. They called this phenomenon akrasia. Let's explore their ideas and how they can help us understand ourselves, and our behaviors, a little better.

Ancient Philosophy: Reason vs Willpower

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were among the greatest thinkers of their time, and they each offered explanations for why we might do things we know aren't good for us. Interestingly, Socrates believed that true knowledge leads to virtuous action. He argued that anyone deciding to do something – even if we later perceive it as harmful – must have judged it to be the best choice in that moment.

However, Aristotle expanded upon this concept, offering a more nuanced view. He distinguished between two types of akratic actions: firstly, weak actions where temptation changes our mind about what we think is beneficial, and secondly, impulsive acts done without much consideration at all.

In essence, both philosophers attributed akrasia to some kind of a failure in our reasoning. They saw akrasia as a moral quandary, suggesting that these lapses in good judgment could be overcome only with strong self-control.

Modern Perspectives: Beyond Reason

Of course, contemporary thinkers have challenged the ideas of these ancient philosophers. Modern philosophers, economists, and psychologists point out that humans don't operate solely on pure logic. Feelings, emotions, and external influences can dramatically shape our actions.

For instance, in economics, the idea of 'revealed preference' suggests that our actions speak louder than our stated beliefs. Just because we say we want to hit the gym regularly, if we consistently fail to do so, our actions reveal that perhaps deep down it's not our highest priority.

Furthermore, a phenomenon called 'hyperbolic discounting' describes why we might overvalue immediate rewards over long-term benefits. Our impulse for instant gratification can override our best-laid plans – think of that extra piece of cake you couldn't resist, despite knowing it doesn't match your long-term health goals.

Importantly, Richard Holton, a Cambridge philosopher, clarifies that akrasia isn't simply 'weakness of will'. Weakness of will describes failing to do what you intend to do, while akrasia is the curious case of acting directly against what you genuinely think is in your best interest at the time.

It's Not All Your Fault

Annemarie Kalis, a philosophy professor, urges us to look beyond individual willpower as the sole cause of akrasia. She believes our modern environments are a huge factor. Our world is designed to constantly appeal to our baser desires, potentially hijacking our carefully considered plans. If you habitually find yourself ordering junk food instead of cooking from scratch, it's worth considering if factors like stress, long work hours, or the sheer convenience of takeout are nudging you away from your ideal choices.

Sarah Paul, a philosophy professor at NYU Abu Dhabi, offers another important angle. She suggests that some instances of what appear to be akratic behaviors might actually be quite rational. In conditions of poverty or uncertainty, for example, focusing on immediate needs and survival strategies might make far more sense than long-term planning.

Beyond Willpower

Reinout Wiers, a psychologist and author, agrees with the concept of a disconnect between values and actions. However, he urges us to move away from the 'willpower-only' explanation. He emphasizes that desires (often driven by our environment, biology, or life circumstances) have immense influence over our choices. Framing everything as a willpower failure can be harmful and demoralizing.

So, the puzzle of akrasia persists. But there's hope! While we may not have the unwavering rationality Socrates imagined, we can still improve our ability to match our choices to our values.

Navigating Akrasia: It's Not Just About Willpower

While the ancient philosophers saw akrasia as a moral problem solved by reason, a more balanced modern view takes several factors into account. The good news is that we don't have to settle for a constant battle of wills to improve our decision-making. Let's delve into a few strategies.

Understanding Conflicting Desires

Philosopher Richard Holton reminds us that we can hold seemingly contradictory desires simultaneously. The key then isn't to suppress those desires, but rather to acknowledge them and identify which aligns best with our long-term values. Ultimately, when push comes to shove, we have to translate that desire into action and commit to a specific intention – like choosing between that trip to France or Mexico.

Making Plans That Stick

To combat akrasia, sometimes the best tool isn't willpower, but a solid, well-defined plan. Psychologist Peter Gollwitzer advocates for what he calls 'implementation intentions'. These clear if/then statements help us bypass decision fatigue and procrastination. For example: If it's Wednesday, then I will go to my 6 pm yoga class.

Change the Game, Not Just Your Mind

Annemarie Kalis emphasizes that rather than trying to strengthen an already strained willpower muscle, we might have more success changing our environment. This involves implementing what's called 'commitment devices'. These clever tactics remove the possibility of changing our minds in the moment. Think of pre-buying fresh ingredients for meals instead of leaving it all up to your after-work willpower. Or, temporarily deleting that addictive game on your phone if you know it gets in the way of productivity.

Revisiting Your Values

Sometimes the struggle arises because the goal itself isn't truly compelling or aligned with who we are. If you consistently find yourself failing to stick to a particular plan, it's worth examining whether it's genuinely what you want, or if it's a goal you feel you should have. True change is more likely to take root when it stems from personal conviction rather than external pressure.

Plato's Chariot: A Metaphor for the Mind

Plato's idea of the tripartite soul offers a timeless metaphor that can aid our understanding of akrasia. He saw our minds as a chariot. Reason, as the charioteer, tries to control two horses – one representing our noble desires (spirit), and another our baser appetites. This beautifully depicts the internal struggle we face; the key is finding ways to help our 'reason' steer towards long-term well-being.

Akrasia Is Human

The ancient philosophers may have framed it as a moral weakness, but a modern lens sees akrasia as a normal part of life. Even the most self-disciplined people struggle at times. By understanding the many factors that influence our choices, we can start to be kinder to ourselves and build more effective systems that help us lead the lives we truly desire.

Self-Compassion as a Tool

While we've explored practical strategies to align actions with values, there's an important mindset shift that can help immensely: self-compassion. It's easy to fall into a cycle of guilt and self-blame when we experience akrasia. However, beating ourselves up is often counterproductive and can further derail our efforts.

Instead, approaching our missteps with curiosity and compassion is far more effective. We can start by asking ourselves questions like:

What internal or external factors might have contributed to my choice in that moment? Was I particularly stressed, tired, or feeling tempted by a certain environment?

What can this experience teach me about my values or priorities? Can I identify recurring patterns in my behavior?

How can I adjust my plan or support system to increase my chances of success next time?

Sometimes, analyzing a 'failure' can be more valuable for long-term growth than the immediate discomfort we experience by not perfectly reaching a goal.

Image Credit - Chief Learning Officer

The Power of Community

Navigating akrasia doesn't have to be a solo mission. Sharing our struggles and goals with others can generate incredible support. Having an accountability partner, joining a group with a shared goal (like a running club), or even simply confiding in someone who believes in you can make a big difference.

Surrounding ourselves with people who are also striving for healthier choices can boost our resolve when temptation strikes. We might even find that others can offer creative coping mechanisms or strategies that hadn't occurred to us individually.

Progress, not Perfection

It's crucial to remember that overcoming akrasia isn't about achieving an impossibly perfect record. Rather, it's about gradually becoming more aware of the forces that influence our choices, and building an arsenal of strategies that help us stay the course– even when we stumble.

Some days will be better than others. The aim is consistent progress rather than instant perfection. Each time we manage to make a choice aligned with our long-term well-being, we reinforce those positive pathways in our brains. Over time, this can lead to a more integrated sense of self where  "doing what's good for us" becomes more natural, and the struggle of akrasia less frequent.

A Lifelong Journey

Since it springs from the very nature of being human, contending with akrasia is likely to be an ongoing process. Our values, environments, and abilities aren't static – they change over time. Therefore, it's equally important to stay open-minded, adapting our strategies and support systems as needed along the way.

Akrasia: From Ancient Philosophy to Modern Life

The puzzle of akrasia has intrigued thinkers for centuries. While the ancient philosophers offered insights into the role of reason and self-control, modern perspectives offer a more forgiving and multifaceted approach. We now understand that emotions, environment, and even basic human survival instincts heavily contribute to why we sometimes act against our own perceived best interests.

Instead of being a character flaw, akrasia is a normal part of the human experience. We can learn to work with it, rather than against it. Strategies like creating clear plans, changing our environment, fostering self-compassion, and seeking support from others can bolster our ability to align our choices with our values.

Here are a few takeaways to keep in mind as we grapple with our own akratic moments:

Know Your Values: Clarity about what's truly important to you creates a guiding star when choices get tough.

Plan Ahead: Bypass decision-making in the heat of temptation with carefully laid plans and implementation intentions.

Environment Matters: Shape your surroundings to support your goals, eliminating obstacles and maximizing support when possible.

Be Kind to Yourself: Guilt and self-criticism won't make change sustainable. Instead, analyze, learn, and adapt your approach from a place of understanding.

Seek Support: Don't be afraid to ask for external support, whether that's from friends, a professional, or a community with shared goals.

Celebrate Progress: Focus on consistent effort over perfection. Celebrate all the times you did make the hard choice, reinforcing positive behavior patterns over time.

A Final Thought

The next time you find yourself tempted to make a choice you might later regret, remember that you're not alone. Instead of despairing, use that moment as an opportunity for further self-understanding. With time, patience, and strategy, you may find the gap between your actions and your ideal self steadily narrowing. And ultimately, that steady progress is the greatest victory.