The divisions are not about the economic outlook. The account noted that all participants agreed that economic activity during the summer months was in line with the Fed’s expectations “and that the incoming data had not materially altered the medium-term economic outlook.”

The Fed expects the recent hurricanes to bring down the figures for third-quarter growth, but it anticipates a rebound in the fourth quarter and little impact from the storms going forward.

The issue is the behavior of inflation. The Fed aims to keep inflation at an annual pace of about 2 percent, but it has undershot that goal consistently since the financial crisis, and the Fed says it expects to miss the target again this year.

A majority of Fed officials, led by Ms. Yellen, continue to subscribe to the view that inflation is just around the corner.

“Many participants continued to believe that the cyclical pressures associated with a tightening labor market or an economy operating above its potential were likely to show through to higher inflation over the medium term,” the account said.

Those officials want to raise interest rates so long as the economy keeps growing.

“The Fed’s models tell them that an economy at full employment eventually produces more inflation down the road and they want the Fed funds rate to be back to normal levels before that happens,” said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

Some also want to raise rates because they are concerned that markets are not responding to the Fed’s pressure. The Fed raises its benchmark rate to tighten financial conditions, including borrowing costs, but conditions have eased so far this year.