Corruption and weakness of will

In the framework of his thesis the central part of which was the interrelationship of cognitive science, philosophy and social psychology, Alain Anquetil analysed a series of accounts of people who had been implicated in instances of corruption in the workplace. Having demonstrated weakness of will (Aristotle’s akrasia), in other words, having intentionally carried out an action contrary to their better judgment, these individuals went through a rumination phase which resulted in them taking radically opposing action, often resulting in resignation. This paradoxical process may be interpreted as a « flaw in rationality », or as the result of a dilemma between contradictory values. It can also often be explained by the considerable isolation felt by those who are faced with difficult decisions.