The Interplay of Desire and Will in Choice
By Chloe Fitzgerald
The human experience of choice is a profound dance between two fundamental psychological forces: desire and will. While often conflated, these distinct faculties within the human Mind continuously interact, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in fierce conflict, to shape every decision a Man makes. This article explores the nature of desire and will, their dynamic interplay, and how philosophical traditions from the Great Books of the Western World illuminate their complex relationship in the arduous journey of self-determination.
The Two Pillars of Human Action: Desire and Will
At the core of our choices lie these two powerful, yet often opposing, forces. Understanding their individual characteristics is the first step to appreciating their interplay.
What is Desire? The Urge to Have or Be
Desire is often understood as an inclination, an appetite, or a longing for something perceived as good or pleasurable. It is the fuel of our aspirations, the engine of our wants, and often originates from our sensory experiences, emotions, or deeper, instinctual needs. From the craving for food to the yearning for love, knowledge, or justice, desire propels us towards potential satisfaction. Philosophers like Plato, in his Republic, described the appetitive part of the soul as driven by desires, often unruly and needing guidance. Aristotle, too, recognized that while we desire what we perceive as good, our perception can be flawed, leading us to desire things that are not truly beneficial.
Characteristics of Desire:
- Origin: Often emotional, sensory, instinctual.
- Nature: Inclination, longing, craving, appetite.
- Direction: Towards perceived good or pleasure.
- Role: Provides motivation, identifies potential ends.
- Perception: Can be irrational, immediate, or long-term.
What is Will? The Power to Choose and Act
In contrast, will is the faculty of conscious choice, the power to initiate action or to refrain from it. It is the Mind's capacity for self-determination, the inner governor that evaluates desires, deliberates on courses of action, and ultimately makes a decision. The will is often associated with reason and self-control, representing our ability to transcend immediate impulses and act according to higher principles or long-term goals. St. Augustine, in his Confessions, vividly describes the agonizing struggle of the will in its conversion, highlighting its power even against deeply ingrained habits. Immanuel Kant further elevated the will, emphasizing its role in acting out of duty, independent of mere inclination.
Characteristics of Will:
- Origin: Rational deliberation, conscious decision.
- Nature: Choice, volition, self-determination, control.
- Direction: Towards a chosen course of action.
- Role: Executes decisions, mediates between desires and reason.
- Perception: Deliberative, reflective, often long-term.
The Dynamic Interaction: Desire Meets Will
The real complexity arises when desire and will meet within the crucible of the human Mind. They are not independent agents but rather partners in the intricate process of choice.
The Interplay: Conflict and Harmony
| Aspect | Desire's Role | Will's Role | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motivation | Provides the initial spark, what Man wants. | Directs the energy towards an achievable goal. | Purposeful action towards a desired end. |
| Evaluation | Presents options or inclinations. | Judges the worthiness and feasibility of desires. | Rationalized choice, aligning with values. |
| Conflict | Pulls towards immediate gratification. | Seeks to adhere to long-term goals or duty. | Internal struggle, requiring self-control. |
| Harmony | Aligns with rational, virtuous objectives. | Readily acts to fulfill well-ordered desires. | Virtuous action, inner peace, self-mastery. |
| Transformation | Can be refined and educated by reason. | Can be strengthened or weakened by its choices. | Development of character, habituation of virtue. |
Often, our desires present a multitude of options, some conflicting. It is the will, guided by reason, that steps in to weigh these desires, consider their consequences, and determine which path to follow. For instance, a Man might desire to eat an entire cake, but his will, informed by his Mind's understanding of health, chooses a smaller portion. Here, the will doesn't extinguish the desire but regulates its expression.
Conversely, our desires can provide the very reason for the will to act. We will to study because we desire knowledge or a good career. We will to help others because we desire to alleviate suffering or uphold justice. In these cases, desire acts as a motive, giving the will direction and purpose.
(Image: A classical Greek statue of a charioteer, with two horses pulling in slightly different directions, symbolizing the will (charioteer) guiding and controlling the desires (horses) towards a unified path, against the backdrop of an ancient agora.)
The Mind as the Orchestrator
The human Mind acts as the grand orchestrator of this interplay. It is within the realm of thought that deliberation occurs, where desires are scrutinized, and the will is ultimately directed. Reason provides the framework for judgment, allowing us to distinguish between fleeting impulses and genuine goods. Through reflection, we can cultivate certain desires and temper others, thereby strengthening our will and shaping our character. This process is central to the ethical philosophies found in the Great Books, particularly in the pursuit of virtue, where a well-ordered soul is one in which reason guides the will, and the will, in turn, disciplines desires towards a life of flourishing.
Cultivating Deliberate Choice
Understanding the interplay of desire and will is not merely an academic exercise; it is crucial for living a conscious and purposeful life. As thinking beings, we are not simply slaves to our desires, nor are we purely rational agents devoid of passion. The art of living lies in harmonizing these forces, allowing our desires to inspire us while our will, guided by the Mind, steers us towards choices that align with our deepest values and highest good.
YouTube: "Philosophical debate on free will and determinism"
YouTube: "Aristotle on desire and reason in ethics"
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