Abstract Orthodoxy holds that the difference between weakness of will and compulsion is a matter resistibility an agent's effective motivation, which makes control-based views agency especially well equipped to distinguish blameworthy weak-willed acts from non-blameworthy compulsive acts. I defend alternative view instead lies in fact agents would upon reflection give some conative weight actin...

Despite the wide occurrence of ritual behavior in humans and animals, much of its causal underpinnings, as well as evolutionary functions, remain unknown. A prominent line of research focuses on ritualization as a response to anxiogenic stimuli. By manipulating anxiety levels, and subsequently assessing their motor behavior dynamics, our recent study investigated this causal link in a controlle...

• An Identity Card issued alongside a passport without an opt-out is seen as significantly more compulsory than an opt-out system. • Providing an opt-out to the Identity (ID) Card process during application increases support for ID Cards, but not significantly, and reduces the certainty of those opposed to ID Cards. • Distrust in the UK Government, alongside the perceived privacy threat of ID C...

The report from the Organ Donation Taskforce looking at the potential impact of an opt-out system for deceased donor organ donation in the UK, published in November 2008, is probably the most comprehensive and systematic inquiry to date into the issues and considerations which might affect the availability of deceased donor organs for clinical transplantation. By the end of a thorough and trans...

A debate has been developing in Nursing Standard on the issue of childhood immunizations. This article adds to the discussion by considering the likelihood of legislation being introduced to make immunisation compulsory in the UK. It also discusses how the courts approach an application for childhood vaccination against the wishes of a parent and the implications for nursing practice of that ap...

Abstract This article explores the relationship between (parental) compliance and (child) compulsion, within wider dynamics of diversion, in child welfare decision-making. It examines how notions parental can be used by decision-makers to distinguish compulsory voluntary forms state intervention children’s families’ lives. The focusses on Scotland as a case study drawing empirical findings from...