Single Idea 20149

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 2. Acting on Beliefs / a. Acting on beliefs]

Full Idea

We increase our control by making our actions more and more the effects of our attitudes, and less and less the effects of external forces acting on us independently of our attitudes.

Gist of Idea

To control our actions better, make them result from our attitudes, not from circumstances

Source

John Kekes (The Human Condition [2010], 02.4)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'The Human Condition' [OUP 2010], p.43


A Reaction

He says that the attitudes should be focused on our well-being. Attitudes may also, however, serve some exernal ideal, such as altruism or patriotism. He has built a case for 'control' being a much more important value than 'free will'.