Descriptive Volitionism ~ says its psychologically possible to form a belief through an act(or acts)of will.

Pojman uses the word "Volit" which is defined ~ to will a belief

Prescriptive Volitionism ~ says it is not only possible to form a belief through an act of will, but justified (ethically and rationally) to do so.

Both versions of volitionism have direct and indirect subcategories.

Some examples of indirect volitionism which we discussed in class were ~ assertiveness training, self-esteem building workshops, AA and NA meetings

We also discussed whether brainwashing could be counted as volitionism but it seems that it doesn't unless you are brainwashing your self or knowingly and acceptingly receiving the brainwashing.

Volitionism = free will in regard to beliefs.

Manipulation Vs Persuasion

To believe a proposition is to accept it as true(it corresponds with the way things are).
There is no logical connection between your desires and the way things are.
There is no logical connection between what you desire and what is actually true.
Believing something on the basis of desires is contradictory and or irrational.

Saying i believe P even though the only reason is that i want to believe P is the same as saying

i believe P but P is,(or at least could be) false.