Abstract: This chapter provides a modularist account of the main elements of human practical reasoning. It appeals to a norms module that is structured in such a way as to attach intrinsic motivation to stored normative beliefs, and it suggests that our tendency to express our desires in descriptive form (e.g., as statements of value) enables us to reap the benefits of our theoretical reasoning capacities for practical purposes. It distinguishes between two kinds of practical reasoning and intention (System 1 and System 2), and argues against the view that beliefs alone can motivate action. The chapter closes with discussion and endorsement of Wegner’s thesis that conscious will is an illusion.

Keywords: conscious will, desires, evaluative belief, intention, normative belief, normative module, Wegner,