Volitional Action

Individuals from diverse disciplines, including neurology, physiology, psychology, mathematics, and engineering have contributed to this volume. Their scientific investigations of volitional action are part of the resurgence of interest in the psychology and physiology of volition which has taken place in recent years. The book comprises a significant sample of their observations, both rational and empirical, which have new practical implications for our understanding of human conduct. The book was designed to serve a threefold purpose: a) to consolidate the gains of the various scholars, relatively isolated in their respective disciplines, b) to foster and help focus future research on conation and self-control and c) to provide practitioners in applied psychology with a broad-based tutorial.

Philosophers, psychologists, neuroscientists, and psychiatrists examine the will and its pathologies from theoretical and empirical perspectives, offering a conceptual overview and discussing schizophrenia, depression, prefrontal lobe damage, and substance abuse as disorders of volition.

It is widely accepted in science that the universe is a closed deterministic system in which everything can, ultimately, be explained by purely physical causation. And yet we all experience ourselves as having the freedom to choose between alternatives presented to us -- 'we' are in the driving seat. The puzzling status of volition is explored in this issue by a distinguished body of scientists and philosophers.

This book presents a history of the volitional theory of causation—the philosophical proposal that volition, or will, of the same or broadly the same stamp as that which we experience in our own deliberate and voluntary doings, should be taken as the basis for all causality. Few today know much about the volitional theory of causation, and even fewer have given it any serious attention. But if current opinion regards this suggestion as an unusual one, of minor importance, the historical record shows otherwise, revealing that it is a theory which has been proposed and developed again and again throughout the modern era. Its obscurity is only a recent phenomenon. Starting at the beginning of the Early Modern period and progressing right up the modern times, the historical discussion takes in both supporters and critics, as well as both famous and less well-known figures, to tell the story of a long-running debate which contemporary history of philosophy has forgotten. The principal figures discussed are Berkeley, Hume, Reid, Maine de Biran, Schopenhauer, Mansel, Mill, Martineau, Alexander Campbell Fraser, Borden Parker Bowne, and G.F.Stout, although many other philosophers are also considered. The book ends with a consider of the philosophical merits of the theory.

This is an impressive book, which presents a profoundly new approach to analyzing human behavior. The fundamental concept is to focus on how people link motivation with action and why they do or do not stick with their original intentions. The fascinating studies reported here attempt to separate people into two groups: (1) State-oriented individuals who focus under stress on past, present, or future states, rather than on options available for action; versus (2) Action-oriented individuals who focus under stress on action alternatives. This book will be of great interest to both behavioral and cognitive psychologists, psychophysiologists, and specialists in sport as well as aviation psychology.

Are you searching for real answers to fundamental questions like: * Who am I? * What is consciousness? * What is intelligence? * What is love? * What is the ultimate truth about matter and mind? * What is real and what is not? * What is life, its origin, its ultimate purpose? If you are, then The Elements of Soul is for you. The purpose of this ambitious book is to take you on a phenomenal journey to the ultimate depths of soul-a journey that will bring you immense joy and peace due to newfound wisdom. On this journey, you will explore groundbreaking concepts like: * Soul mechanics: The science of what lies beyond quantum mechanics * Soul-atoms * I-atoms * Mental elements, and * Dynamics of consciousness. The Elements of Soul is spiritual science at its best. At the same time, it is a revolutionary guide on how to perfect human love and intelligence. You are sure to conclude the same after you experience first-hand the profound benefits of practicing various meditation techniques prescribed in the book.

Integrating significant advances in motivation science that have occurred over the last two decades, this volume thoroughly examines the ways in which motivation interacts with social, developmental, and emotional processes, as well as personality more generally. The Handbook comprises 39 clearly written chapters from leaders in the field. Cutting-edge theory and research is presented on core psychological motives, such as the need for esteem, security, consistency, and achievement; motivational systems that arise to address these fundamental needs; the process and consequences of goal pursuit, including the role of individual differences and contextual moderators; and implications for personal well-being and interpersonal and intergroup relations.