ofrivillighet

Of rivillighet is a concept used in philosophy, psychology, ethics, and law to describe actions performed without voluntary control or intentional choice by the actor. It denotes a lack of freedom to decide differently at the moment of action and stands in contrast to frivillighet (voluntariness), where an agent consciously chooses to act.

In psychology and neuroscience, involuntariness can refer to automatisms, reflexive responses, or actions carried out under altered states of consciousness, sleep, seizures, or the influence of medication. Philosophical discussions of involuntariness often engage questions about agency, free will, and the extent to which behavior can be attributed to an agent when control is compromised by internal or external factors.

In legal contexts, involuntariness is relevant to questions of responsibility and liability. Many jurisdictions recognize defenses or mitigating circumstances when an action is not voluntary, such as acts performed under duress, coercion, necessity, or unconsciousness (automatism) due to medical conditions. The degree of voluntariness can affect criminal liability, mens rea (intent), and the appropriateness of sanctions. However, the precise legal treatment of involuntary acts varies across jurisdictions and doctrines.

Common examples include reflexive or automatized movements, actions during sleepwalking, epileptic automatism, or behavior caused by severe impairment or coercion. Distinctions between voluntary and involuntary actions remain central to debates about autonomy, moral responsibility, and the limits of free will. See also frivillighet, autonomi, and automatism.