A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Value-deflationist self-control




AuthorsKoi, Polaris

Publication year2026

Journal: Philosophical Explorations

ISSN1386-9795

eISSN1741-5918

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/13869795.2026.2636844

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen 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 addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515881977

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

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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Funding information in the publication
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.


Last updated on 24/04/2026 11:24:33 AM