Un-Willing: An Inquiry Into the Rise of Will’s Power and an Attempt to Undo It

Un-Willing: An Inquiry Into the Rise of Will’s Power and an Attempt to Undo It

Eva T. H. Brann
Role: Author
Written by a former dean and the longest-serving tutor at St. John’s College, Annapolis.

Throughout history, philosophers have delved into the concept of “the will,” a topic that goes beyond scholarly discourse. Will-related words are prevalent in everyday language, from making wills to exercising willpower. However, this abundance of “will” terminology encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, prompting contemplation. People of all ages, from children to adults, have pondered the nature of free will and its relationship to desires and freedom. The question also arises of whether discussions of will and willpower convey consistent or meaningful ideas. Eva Brann, in her work Un-Willing, tackles these everyday inquiries, examining how they have been addressed in both philosophical tradition and contemporary scientific thought while engaging with them herself.