236. Self-Control, Akrasia, & Multiple Self Theory

Summary

The script explores the age-old dilemma of sticking to New Year's resolutions and the broader issue of intention versus action. It delves into philosophical perspectives from Socrates and Plato to Aristotle, examining the conflict between reason and passion. It also touches on modern psychology, discussing theories like hyperbolic discounting and the multiple selves model, which offers a nuanced view of self-control and behavior, suggesting that aligning short-term desires with long-term goals can lead to more consistent action and less regret.

Takeaways

• 😎 The script discusses the concept of 'akrasia', a term from ancient Greece, which refers to the misalignment between intention and behavior.
• 🤔 Socrates and Plato believed that no one knowingly does wrong, implying that acting against one's better judgment is due to a lack of true knowledge or belief in a better alternative.
• 💪 Aristotle introduced the idea of a constant struggle between reason and passion, suggesting that passions can sometimes overpower rational judgment.
• 😇 Early Christian theology incorporated Aristotle's view, likening the conflict to the spirit's desire for godliness fighting against the flesh's sinful cravings.
• 🧐 Modern psychology often aligns with Aristotle's theory, positing a superior reasoning mind that must exert willpower over the flesh's desires.
• 🤨 David Hume challenged the traditional view by arguing that reason alone cannot motivate action without input from emotions and desires.
• 🤯 Hume proposed that 'akrasia' is simply one set of desires winning over another, with neither having a special claim to reason.
• 🧐 The script introduces the 'multiple selves model', suggesting that there are different entities within us, each with its own values and preferences, that negotiate control over actions.
• 🏃‍♂️ The model explains why we might feel regret for not adhering to long-term goals, as the long-term self has different priorities than short-term selves.
• 🎯 It suggests that behavioral change and goal satisfaction can be achieved by synchronizing short-term and long-term goals, rather than simply trying harder.
• 🍰 The model also provides insight into phenomena like hyperbolic discounting and procrastination, explaining why immediate rewards can seem more attractive than larger future gains.
• 🤝 It encourages the formation of habits and the consideration of our tendencies and impulses to align with long-term goals, rather than viewing deviations as failures.

Q & A

What is the phenomenon described in the script where people's actions do not align with their intentions?

The phenomenon is described as 'akrasia', a term used since ancient Greece to denote the misalignment of intention and behavior, where individuals act against their better judgment.

According to Socrates or Plato, as written by Plato, what was their stance on akrasia?

Socrates or Plato, through the character Socrates, believed akrasia to be impossible by definition. They argued that no one who knows or believes there is a better course of action would continue on their current path.

How does the script describe Aristotle's view on the conflict between reason and passion?

Aristotle viewed human reason as being in a constant struggle with passions. He believed that while reason might dictate the best course of action, inflamed passions could weaken rational judgment and compel individuals to make inferior choices.

What is the 'multiple selves model' as presented in the script?

The 'multiple selves model' suggests that there isn't a single unified self making choices. Instead, there is a set of long-term values and an iterative set of short-term values, with the self that is 'us' being the output of their negotiations.

How does the script explain the concept of 'hyperbolic discounting' in relation to the multiple selves model?

Hyperbolic discounting is explained as a cognitive error where immediate gains seem much more attractive than larger rewards in the future. In the context of the multiple selves model, the short-term self might prioritize immediate gratification over long-term benefits.

What role does habit formation play in the multiple selves model?

Habit formation is crucial in the multiple selves model as it helps synchronize the goals of short-term selves with long-term goals, making it easier for any short-term self to engage in behaviors that align with long-term values.

How does the script discuss the concept of regret in the context of the multiple selves model?

The script suggests that regret occurs when the long-term self's goals are thwarted by the actions of a short-term self. This creates a sense of discontinuity between the original intention and the subsequent action.

What does the script suggest as a more effective approach to behavioral change and personal goal satisfaction?

The script suggests that rather than relying on willpower alone, it is more effective to account for the variable nature of short-term selves in our plans, considering habits, tendencies, and impulses to align short-term desires with long-term goals.

How does the script address the issue of responsibility in the context of the multiple selves model?

The script raises questions about responsibility, asking whether we should absolve individuals of responsibility for their actions if there are multiple selves with different goals and priorities within one person.

What is the 'fight or flight' response mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to the multiple selves model?

The 'fight or flight' response is a short-term problem that the script uses to illustrate how the short-term self might prioritize immediate survival instincts over long-term goals, which is consistent with the multiple selves model.

What philosophical perspective does David Hume offer in the script regarding reason and action?

David Hume suggests that reason by itself can only dissect and compare facts and cannot motivate action without input from emotions and desires, challenging the idea that reason and passion are in a simple opposition.