Abstract

This work is an analysis of the main causes of irrational action. It begins with a discussion of akrasia or incontinence, that is a failure to do what one believes on balance one ought to do. It then considers irrationality that arises from a lack of self knowledge - from various kinds of failures to understand and analyze one's own desires and beliefs. Finally there is a discussion of consummensurability, the extent to which reasons for action can be compared, measured and balanced. The author concludes that there are a lot of different cases to which no single or simple solution can possibly accomodate them all.