Willpower seems to be returning to popular focus.  That can’t be all bad for THEE which takes its origin from will.  The taxonomy only focuses on those matters which we can will into existence, and which would not exist if we did not will them.  Like I’m currently willing this blog into existence, and you are using your will in giving it some attention.

While will has an intrinsic energy (human energy as distinct from physical energy), this seems to manifest as part of the creation of personal purposes and values.  Nothing much can be willed without a goal.  Things happen without intending of course: we don’t More...

Prediction in science is easy, if it's a physical science.  But not too much should be expected from findings in the social sciences—so says a Professor of Philosophy. How right he is.  He was asking if social science is useful for guiding public policy.  But is that the correct question?

The question here is not whether social science is useful or not for prediction.  (Most of it is pointless or even harmful in my view.)  The issue is whether prediction is possible in relation to social life generally and public policy specifically.  Having clarified that, we can consider what assistance from academia might be required. More...