The word "akrasia" is spelled with five letters and three syllables. The phonetic transcription in IPA is /əˈkreɪziə/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by a stressed "kra" with a long "a" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a more neutral "zi" sound, followed by a short "a" sound. Akrasia refers to the state of acting against one's better judgment or being unable to act in accordance with one's own goals.
Akrasia is a philosophical term that refers to the state of acting against one's better judgment or failing to act on one's own intended actions. Derived from the Greek words "akratos" meaning "without power" or "insensitive" and "kratos" meaning "power" or "strength," it is commonly understood as a lack of self-control or willpower.
In everyday life, akrasia manifests as the perplexing phenomenon of individuals knowingly and intentionally opting for short-term pleasures or indulging in temptations while fully being aware of the long-term negative consequences. It involves a discrepancy between what individuals genuinely believe is the most beneficial course of action and what they actually end up doing. Despite the rational understanding of the right course of action or long-term goals, akrasia leads individuals to succumb to immediate gratifications that stand in opposition to their best interests.
Akrasia is commonly associated with internal conflicts within individuals, where desires, emotions, or external influences overpower reason and rationality. This internal struggle compromises the ability to exhibit self-discipline and can result in undesirable outcomes or go against previously set goals. It is crucial to note that akrasia is not a lack of knowledge or ignorance but a failure in exercising self-control.
The concept of akrasia has been extensively explored in philosophical and psychological contexts. Understanding and addressing akrasia often involve self-reflection, personal development, and practical strategies such as setting specific goals, developing self-discipline techniques, and managing impulsive behaviors.
The word "akrasia" comes from the Greek term "ἀκρασία" (akrasía), which is derived from the prefix "α-" (a-), meaning "without", and the noun "κράτος" (krátos), meaning "power" or "authority". Thus, "akrasia" translates to "lack of power" or "weakness of will". The term was first introduced in ancient Greek philosophy to describe the state of acting against one's better judgment or lacking self-control.