Free Choice* Phil 311 – Dr.

Tobias Hoffmann

The degree of freedom depends on the degree to which something or someone has control of
his/her/its motion or operation.

Some things have the principle of their motion or operation …

[1.] outside themselves (= things that are moved violently), e.g., a stone that is thrown up
vs. [2.] within themselves (see examples below)

Of [2.], some things

[2.1.] do not move themselves (although they have the principle of motion in
themselves): inanimate material objects
vs. [2.2.] move themselves (by means of perception and judgment): animals; human
beings

Of [2.2.], the motions derive …

[2.2.1.] from a natural judgment: animals
vs. [2.2.2.] from a rational judgment: human beings

Against the Not according to

According to fixed patterns fixed patterns
inclination
Free choice presupposes control
outside themselves

rational judgment
their own motion

their own motion

within themselves

natural judgment
things that have

things that have

the principle of

the principle of

not only of one’s actions, but

things of which

things of which
also of the judgments from

come from a

come from a
or operation

or operation

(having free
the motions

the motions
which one’s actions originate.

decision)
a stone that is thrown up ✔
a dog that is pulled at a leash ✔
the exterior act of a person who
is forced to act against his will ✔
inanimate material objects ✔
animals ✔ ✔
human beings ✔ ✔ ✔

Humans Animals

free knowledge (= free rational judgment) predetermined knowledge (= natural judgment)

⇒ free desires ⇒ determined desires
⇒ free activity (= physical or mental activity) ⇒ determined activity (= physical activity).

* Inspired by Thomas Aquinas, De veritate (On Truth) q. 24, aa. 1–2.