Browse Book and Journal Content on Project MUSE
OR

Buy This Article

Neglected Psychological Elements of Free Will

From: Philosophy, Psychiatry, & Psychology
Volume 11, Number 2, June 2004
pp. 111-118 | 10.1353/ppp.2004.0057

Abstract

Two essential elements of free will—internal locus of control and confident self-efficacy—have been studied extensively by psychologists but neglected by philosophers. As a result of this neglect, philosophers have worked with a distorted view of free will. Existentialists exaggerate internal locus of control while undercutting self-efficacy; most contemporary philosophers have taken both internal locus of control and self-efficacy for granted, ignoring their importance and the problems generated by their absence. By taking advantage of psychological research on internal locus of control and self-efficacy, this paper develops a richer and more realistic account of the value of free choice and the real threats to free will.



Access your Project MUSE content using one of the login options below

Athens

Please see your librarian for assistance with Athens authentication.

Shibboleth

Shibboleth authentication is only available to registered institutions.

Project MUSE