act of volition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of volition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conscious choice or decision made by an individual. Example: "The decision to change careers was an act of volition that required careful consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Most of the people who come here have some interest in art, and they come as an act of volition".

The New Yorker

"The Met is not, as an act of volition, going to cut itself off from the supporters of the future".

The New Yorker

"You think becoming an artist is your act of volition, but probably, it chose me," Ms. Alvarez said recently in her art- and plant-strewn loft, where she lives with her husband, Kazunari Kuno, a physician, and Bingo, her rollerblading companion.

The New York Times

Scotus's position, as understood by Wodeham, states that while an external act can only be good if it falls under the control of the will (cf. Adams and Wood 1981, 9), the external and indirectly controlled act can nevertheless contribute an additional moral goodness beyond the moral value accrued through the act of volition.

SEP

In the third book he maintains that, even though the intellect deliberates about the objects of volition and represents them to the will, it is the will which has the ultimate power to suspend an act of volition, i.e., not to want a particular object.

SEP

Here Grotius announces a thesis about the relation between normativity and the divine being which is commonly known as "voluntarist": by an act of volition, God determines the full and exact content of all normative categories justice, goodness and so forth.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

What makes a thought or bodily motion an action is its being preceded by a certain act of will (volitions) which bring about the thought or motion.

SEP

Some might argue that the Civil Rights Act should be limited to discrimination based on immutable characteristics like race or national origin, not acts of volition.

The New York Times

The will cannot reduce itself from potency to act or immediately efficiently cause its acts of volition.

SEP

Philosophy's solution is to argue (V.2) that rational acts of volition, unlike all external events, do not themselves belong to the causal chain of fate.

SEP

In order to understand Schopenhauer's reasoning for this rather stunning view of the cognitive significance of music, one needs to pay attention to the role of feeling in Schopenhauer's epistemology, and especially to the feeling of embodiment that a subject can experience by attending to ordinary acts of volition.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for formal tone in philosophical or legal writing, "act of volition" precisely denotes a deliberate choice rooted in one's will. Use it to emphasize conscious intent and agency.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "act of volition" can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "deliberate choice" or "intentional decision" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of volition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, designating a specific type of action characterized by conscious choice and intention. Ludwig AI shows that this expression is often used in contexts where the deliberate nature of the action is emphasized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act of volition" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a deliberate and intentional action. According to Ludwig, its usage is more common in formal contexts, such as philosophical discussions, legal documents, and academic papers. Ludwig AI highlights that while the phrase isn't exceedingly common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy underscores its validity. When considering alternatives, phrases like "deliberate action" or "intentional decision" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliberate action

Focuses on the intentionality of the action itself, rather than the underlying will.

intentional decision

Highlights the conscious choice made, emphasizing the decision-making process.

voluntary action

Emphasizes the freedom and willingness behind the action.

conscious choice

Stresses the awareness and intent involved in selecting an option.

self-determined act

Highlights the autonomy and independence of the action.

willful deed

Implies a strong-willed and determined action.

purposeful behavior

Focuses on the goal-oriented nature of the action.

reasoned decision

Emphasizes the logical and rational basis for the choice.

spontaneous decision

Indicates a decision made quickly and without extensive planning.

predetermined action

Signifies an action planned or decided beforehand.

FAQs

How can I use "act of volition" in a sentence?

You can use "act of volition" to describe a conscious and deliberate choice someone makes. For example, "Joining the volunteer program was an "act of volition", driven by a desire to help others."

What is a good alternative to "act of volition"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "deliberate choice", "intentional decision", or "voluntary action".

Is "act of volition" the same as "act of will"?

While similar, "act of volition" emphasizes the conscious choice, whereas "act of will" suggests the exertion of willpower to overcome obstacles or internal resistance. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance may differ.

In what kind of writing is "act of volition" most appropriate?

The phrase "act of volition" is most appropriate in formal writing, such as philosophical discussions, legal documents, or academic papers, where precise and nuanced language is required. In less formal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives.