(Gk., incontinence) Weakness of will: the condition in which while knowing what it would be best to do, one does something else. The phenomenon intrigued Plato and Aristotle, because the Socratic equation between knowing a thing to be good and desiring it makes it difficult to see how weakness of will is possible. Less optimistic philosophies find it equally hard to see how strength of will is possible.
Philosophy dictionary. Academic. 2011.