Single Idea 3792

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 1. Nature of Free Will]

Full Idea

We have a power to suspend the prosecution of this or that desire; as everyone daily may experiment in himself. This seems to me the source of all liberty, ..which is (as I think improperly) call'd 'free will'.

Gist of Idea

We are free to decide not to follow our desires

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.21.47)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.263


A Reaction

This strikes me as a feeble defence of free will, since we have no idea of the origin of the decision not to act according to some desire. I see no sign of free will in introspection, despite what some people claim.