volitions

Volitions refer to acts of will—mental processes by which a person forms an intention and makes a choice to act. In common usage, volition is the conscious intention or resolve behind voluntary behavior, as distinct from instinct, reflex, or mere desire.

In philosophy, volition is central to discussions of agency, free will, and moral responsibility. It is contrasted with mere desire or impulse and is often associated with deliberate, controlled action. Philosophers distinguish between the formation of a motive, an intention, and the execution of an action, with volition lying at the level of decision and commitment to act. Classical accounts tied volition to the rational will or practical reason, while contemporary debates address whether and how conscious choices cause actions.

In psychology and neuroscience, volition is studied as the process that initiates and guides voluntary action. This includes intention formation, planning, and the exertion of self-control to select goals and override competing impulses. Research in neuroscience, such as studies on the timing of intention and action, has explored how brain activity relates to conscious decisions and whether conscious will can veto an impending action. The interpretation of such findings remains debated; some views argue that conscious intention plays a causal role, while others emphasize unconscious preparation or constraint by causal processes.

Volition can be analyzed at multiple levels, from everyday decision making to clinical conditions characterized by impaired volition, such as certain mood or motor disorders. Across disciplines, volition remains a contested but essential concept for understanding voluntary behavior, agency, and responsibility.