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Full Idea
There can be no will without such a degree of understanding, at least, as gives the conception of that which we will.
Gist of Idea
A willed action needs reasonable understanding of what is to be done
Source
Thomas Reid (Essays on Active Powers 4: Liberty of Agents [1788], 1)
Book Ref
Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.324
A Reaction
Presumably this 'conception' includes an understanding of the probable consequences, but they are of infinite complexity. I see this as an objection to 'ultimate' free will and responsibility, because there are only ever degrees of understanding.
| 23676 | A willed action needs reasonable understanding of what is to be done [Reid] |
| 23677 | We all know that mere priority or constant conjunction do not have to imply causation [Reid] |
| 23678 | A motive is merely an idea, like advice, and not a force for action [Reid] |
| 23680 | We are morally free, because we experience it, we are accountable, and we pursue projects [Reid] |
| 23679 | The principle of the law of nature is that matter is passive, and is acted upon [Reid] |
| 23681 | The first motion or effect cannot be produced necessarily, so the First Cause must be a free agent [Reid] |