Self-determination theory in the context of "Will to power"

Edward L. Deci (/ˈdiːsi/; born 1942) is a professor of Psychology and Gowen Professor in the Social Sciences at the University of Rochester, and director of its Human Motivation Program. He is well known in psychology for his theories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and basic psychological needs which he has been researching for 40 years. With Richard Ryan, he is the co-founder of self-determination theory (SDT), an influential contemporary motivational theory.

Deci is also Director of the Monhegan Museum in Monhegan, Maine.

Richard M. Ryan is a professor at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University and a research professor at the University of Rochester. He earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University for Rochester and his B.A. from the University of Connecticut. Ryan is a clinical psychologist and co-developer with Edward L. Deci, of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), one of the most influential theories of human motivation. SDT is a macrotheory of motivation, psychological development and wellness. The theory has spawned basic research on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and the facilitation and undermining of volitional motivation. SDT has been widely applied on research and interventions in work organizations, schools, clinical settings, virtual environments and sports, among other areas of application.

Ryan is one of the leading theorists of human motivation ranking among the top 1% of researchers in the field. Reflective of his influence internationally and across disciplines, he has been recognized as one of the eminent psychologists of the modern era (post-World War II), and is also featured as a top scientist in the bestseller, "Scientists Making a Difference".