A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Accessing Self-Control
Authors: Koi Polaris
Publisher: SPRINGER
Publication year: 2023
Journal: Erkenntnis
Journal name in source: ERKENNTNIS
Journal acronym: ERKENNTNIS
Volume: 88
First page : 3239
Last page: 3258
Number of pages: 20
ISSN: 0165-0106
eISSN: 1572-8420
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10670-021-00500-y(external)
Web address : https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10670-021-00500-y(external)
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/68231380(external)
Abstract
Self-control is that which is enacted to align our behaviour with intentions, motives, or better judgment in the face of conflicting impulses of motives. In this paper, I ask, what explains interpersonal differences in self-control? After defending a functionalist conception of self-control, I argue that differences in self-control are analogous to differences in mobility: they are modulated by inherent traits and environmental supports and constraints in interaction. This joint effect of individual (neuro)biology and environmental factors is best understood in terms of access to self-control behaviours. I sketch an account of access as including the three criteria of means, awareness, and non-excessive effort. I further demonstrate that people with disorders such as ADHD have limited access to self-control behaviours and stand therefore at a disadvantage with regard to self-control.
Self-control is that which is enacted to align our behaviour with intentions, motives, or better judgment in the face of conflicting impulses of motives. In this paper, I ask, what explains interpersonal differences in self-control? After defending a functionalist conception of self-control, I argue that differences in self-control are analogous to differences in mobility: they are modulated by inherent traits and environmental supports and constraints in interaction. This joint effect of individual (neuro)biology and environmental factors is best understood in terms of access to self-control behaviours. I sketch an account of access as including the three criteria of means, awareness, and non-excessive effort. I further demonstrate that people with disorders such as ADHD have limited access to self-control behaviours and stand therefore at a disadvantage with regard to self-control.
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