Single Idea 12493

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 7. Compatibilism]

Full Idea

So far as his power reaches, of acting or not acting, by the determination of his own thought preferring either, so far is a man free. ..We can scarcely imagine any being freer, than to be able to do what he wills.

Gist of Idea

A man is free insofar as he can act according to his own preferences

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.21.21)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.244


A Reaction

It take this approach, which Hume echoes, to be ducking the metaphysical problem, of where the act of willing originates. Locke goes on to admit this.