selfaction

Selfaction is a term used in philosophy and cognitive science to denote actions directed at the agent itself, rather than at external objects or other agents. It encompasses activities that alter the agent's own states, dispositions, knowledge, or capabilities, including self-regulation, self-modification, and self-discipline. In contrast to externally directed action, selfaction is intentional but aimed at change from within.

In philosophy, selfaction is linked to debates on autonomy and the will. It covers the exercise of rational agency in setting ends, applying self-imposed constraints, or revising motives. Some theorists treat selfaction as a fundamental component of moral responsibility, since agents evaluate and modify their motives before acting. Others distinguish between pre-reflective self-regulation and reflective self-transformation.

In psychology, selfaction is often discussed under self-regulation, self-control, and goal pursuit, focusing on mechanisms by which individuals monitor progress, cope with temptation, and adapt behavior. The concept overlaps with cognitive theories of executive function and metacognition.

In artificial systems, selfaction refers to agents that can modify their own policies, goals, or architecture in response to feedback. This raises questions about safety, alignment, and predictability.

Limitations include inconsistent usage across disciplines and ambiguity about scope—whether mental states alone count, or whether only observable actions qualify. Despite variation, selfaction remains a useful umbrella term for intentional internal modification within an agent.

See also: autonomy, self-regulation, reflexivity, self-modification.