Willensaktes

Willensakte is a term used in philosophy, psychology and legal theory to denote an act of volition—the internal process by which a person forms and commits to an intention to act or refrain from acting. The phrase emphasizes the mental event of choosing, rather than the outward execution of the action. The form Willensaktes is the genitive singular in German (des Willensaktes); more common variants are Willensakt (singular) and Willensakte (plural).

In philosophy of action, Willensakte are distinguished from mere desires or impulses and from external expressions of the will, such as actions or utterances. A genuine Willensakt typically involves intentionality, freedom from coercion, and a commitment that precedes or accompanies subsequent behavior. Some theories separate the act of willing from the subsequent performance of an act, a distinction that appears in discussions of practical reason and moral responsibility.

In legal theory, the will as such is often expressed through a Willenserklärung (declaration of will). The Willensakt itself is usually considered an inner mental act; legal effect typically requires external manifestation. Nevertheless, questions about capacity, coercion, and consent hinge on whether a genuine Willensakt occurred and could be communicated or manifested appropriately.

In psychology and neuroscience, Willensakte are studied as central to volition and executive function. They relate to initiation, goal setting, persistence, and self-control, with research examining the neural correlates of volitional decision-making.

Overall, Willensakte refers to the internal act of willing, distinct from external declarations or actions, and is used across disciplines to analyze decision-making and intentional conduct.