TWO CONCEPTIONS OF WILL IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF CHARLES S. PEIRCE

Charles Sanders Peirce dealt with the theme of Will several times, usually when discussing other topics. The treatment of this topic did not remain constant in the course of the years; two different conceptions of the Will can be detected in different moments. The first one is rooted in his attempt to create a semiotic theory of mind. Whereas the thought is identified with a set of signs having a general import, the proper place for volition is found in the aspects of individuality and contingency: Willing is identified with actually acting, that is, with a reaction to the clash of the outward world. The second conception emerged from the interest in the foundations of ethics and relies to the central role of self-control for the normative sciences. The nature of voluntary acts is now to be found in the capability of deliberate long-term planning and of self-correction.