A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Value-deflationist self-control
Authors: Koi, Polaris
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Philosophical Explorations
ISSN: 1386-9795
eISSN: 1741-5918
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13869795.2026.2636844
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1080/13869795.2026.2636844
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515881977
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
On the standard conception of self-control, self-control entails the resolution of a motivational conflict in favour of the option ranked better, loftier, or otherwise more valuable, and behaving accordingly. Sometimes, however, we appear to use self-control under ambivalence, or against our better judgment. In this paper, I seek to eliminate the apparent paradox induced by these cases by defending and developing a value-deflationist conception of self-control. For the value-deflationist conception of self-control endorsed in this paper, self-control is that which is enacted to align one's behaviour with intention in the face of a competing motivation. I develop the view further by showing that errant and ambivalent cases of self-control are not mere anomalies or theoretical curiosities but instead are important for understanding disruptions of agency due to motivational-executive double binds, where agents struggle both to rank options and to steer their behaviour. Adopting a value-deflationist account allows us to describe how ambivalence undermines self-control. Value-deflationism about self-control has faced a range of criticisms, such as the criticism that errant cases would turn out to be standard cases under a different description. The paper responds to these criticisms, showing that attempts to reconcile these cases with the standard conception fall short.
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The author wishes to thank anonymous referees, audiences at the University of Milan and at the University of Konstanz, Elisa Aaltola, Valtteri Arstila, Hannah Altehenger, Juan Pablo Bermudez, Lilian O'Brien, Dane Gogoshin, Milan Ney, Hille Paakkunainen, Juha Raeikkae, Susanne Uusitalo, and Jukka Varelius for helpful comments and discussions on earlier drafts of this paper; and the Kone Foundation for research funding.