Positive Illusions and Autonomy
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21592230 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anna Wehofsits (0000-0002-9116-2763, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-22 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-14 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Philosophical Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0951-5089 • E-ISSN: 1465-394X |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/09515089.2025.2596981 |
| OpenAlex | W7115068280 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 32 |
Drawing on examples from empirical research, I argue that the common notion of a simple trade-off between the prudential benefits and ethical costs of positive illusions is one-sided and untenable insofar as it overlooks the ethical significance that such illusions can have in times of adversity. First, I show that positive illusions, which promote psychological stability in difficult times, can not only limit autonomy but also enhance it – despite, and even because of, this limitation. Second, I argue that although positive illusions can sometimes harm others, they can also enable us to contribute to others’ well-being
Autonomy · Empirical evidence · Empirical research · Harm · Illusion · Free Will and Agency · Philosophical Ethics and Theory · Political Philosophy and Ethics
Freedom of the Will and the Concept of a Person
Loss, Trauma, and Human Resilience
Beyond Good and Evil
The Theory and Practice of Autonomy
Autonomy and Personal History
What is unrealistic optimism
The epistemic innocence of motivated delusions
Self-Deception Won’t Make You Happy
Autonomy and the Question of Authenticity
Positive Illusions and Coping with Adversity
Psychological resources, positive illusions, and health
Rethinking Relational Autonomy
The Value of Hope
When resources get sparse
Between an Ethic of Care and an Ethic of Autonomy
| Highly cited | No |
|---|