Volitional Motion Theory

I propose the Volitional Motion Theory (VMT), a mathematical framework for estimating willpower by analogy with classical mechanics. Its equations parallel Newtonian dynamics, providing formal simplicity, intuitive interpretation, and potential applications in engineering and artificial intelligence, including behavioral modeling and decision support. VMT treats “will as a representation” inferred from observable behavior, bridging philosophy and science. Following pre-modern natural-philosophical inquiry, it situates human volition within a systematic structure, reviving philosophical reflection in a modern context. VMT also illuminates socio-economic phenomena. Conventional capitalism operates at the level of institutions and capital flows, whereas VMT suggests a “real capitalism” grounded in volitional dynamics. In this view, “animal spirits” can be understood as measurable dynamics of will rather than mere psychological impulses. To demonstrate practical applicability, I developed a scheduling application that computes volition indices from user data, confirming VMT’s relevance to real-world tasks. Author: Masaru Kondo, Onefunc LLC, Toyama, Japan Originally posted on PsyArXiv: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/sf9pw_v1