Frankfurt (Harry Frankfurt)

Harry Frankfurt, in his philosophical work, discusses the concept of "second-order desires," which are desires about our desires. For example, wanting to want healthy food rather than craving junk food. He emphasizes the importance of "second-order volitions"—desires about which desires we endorse and want to act upon. Frankfurt argues that moral responsibility is linked to our capacity to reflect on and endorse our desires, guiding us to act in line with our true values. This framework helps distinguish between mere wants and authentic, self-endorsed motivations, shaping ideas about free will and moral accountability.