<p>I'm aware of numerous experiments, like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment" rel="noreferrer">Stanford prison experiment</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment" rel="noreferrer">Milgram experiment</a> which indicate that humans can act in ways opposite to their best intentions. </p>

<p>For the purposes of this question, let's define <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_will" rel="noreferrer">Free Will</a> as ability to act and strive without external coercion. Ability to accomplish my goals and ambitions. In this context Free Will suddenly seems a lot like motivation. </p>

<p>Found these quotes:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Likewise, compatibilists define free will as freedom to act according
  to one's determined motives without hindrance from other individuals</p>
</blockquote>

<p>This makes me ask - <strong>Is Free Will related or is just another word for a more modern concept of "motivation"?</strong></p>

<cognitive-psychology><motivation><cognitive-modeling><behavior><free-will>
Are Free Will and Motivation related?
Alex Stone
# Are Free Will and Motivation related?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-10-01)

I'm aware of numerous experiments, like [Stanford prison experiment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment), [Milgram experiment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment) which indicate that humans can act in ways opposite to their best intentions.

For the purposes of this question, let's define [Free Will](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_will) as ability to act and strive without external coercion. Ability to accomplish my goals and ambitions. In this context Free Will suddenly seems a lot like motivation.

Found these quotes:

> Likewise, compatibilists define free will as freedom to act according
> to one's determined motives without hindrance from other individuals

This makes me ask - **Is Free Will related or is just another word for a more modern concept of "motivation"?**

**Tags:** cognitive-psychology, motivation, cognitive-modeling, behavior, free-will


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## 0 answers

