Resolve is always effortful.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral economics
• Psychology of decision-making

Background:

• The concept of willpower is central to self-control and decision-making.
• Ainslie's distinction between effortful suppression and effortless resolve offers a framework for understanding willpower.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effortful nature of willpower, specifically the distinction between suppression and resolve.
• To challenge the notion of effortless resolve by re-categorizing such instances as habits.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of Ainslie's theory of willpower.
• Re-interpretation of alleged cases of effortless resolve within the framework of habit formation.

Main Results:

• The study agrees with Ainslie's distinction between suppression and resolve.
• It posits that all forms of resolve are inherently effortful.
• Cases of "effortless" resolve are re-identified as well-established habits.

Conclusions:

• The distinction between suppression and resolve is maintained.
• Contrary to Ainslie's view, resolve is argued to be effortful.
• Habits are understood as the outcome of sustained prior resolve, not a separate category of effortless action.