Single Idea 14061

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 4. Responsibility for Actions]

Full Idea

What occurs by our own agency is autonomous, and it is to this that praise and blame are attached.

Gist of Idea

Our own choices are autonomous, and the basis for praise and blame

Source

Epicurus (Letter to Menoeceus [c.291 BCE], 133)

Book Reference

Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.31


A Reaction

I don't think this should be understand as an assertion of free will in the modern sense. The 'swerve' of the atoms just means that decisions can arise out of us - not that they are somehow outside of nature.