Tahtotila

Tahtotila is a Finnish term used in philosophy, psychology, and cognitive science to denote a state of volition or the will to act. It refers to a mental state that underlies decisions to act and to commit to execution, often bridging desire and action.

Etymology: The word combines tahto (“will”) and tila (“state”), yielding a direct translation of “will-state” or “volitional state.” In English-language discussions, closest equivalents are volition or intentional state, though nuances differ from English concepts of intention and desire.

Definition and scope: Tahtotila emphasizes readiness and commitment to act rather than mere belief or wish. It is typically conceived as preceding or motivating action, contributing to action initiation and persistence. Some Finnish scholars treat it as a component of action control alongside intention (a more deliberative plan) and motive (underlying desire).

Usage and contexts: In Finnish philosophy of action and motivational psychology, tahtotila is used to analyze how a person becomes prepared to act and how this readiness influences self-governance and accountability. In cognitive and motor sciences, it appears in discussions of preparatory mental processes and neural activity that precede voluntary action.

Related terms: tahto (will), aikomus (intention), motivaatio (motivation), volition.