more from 'fragments/reports' by Zeno (Citium)

Single Idea 3799

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 6. Determinism / a. Determinism]

Full Idea

Zeno and Chrysippus say everything is fated with the following model: when a dog is tied to a cart, if it wants to follow it is pulled and follows, making its spontaneous act coincide with necessity, but if it does not want to follow it will be compelled.

Gist of Idea

A dog tied to a cart either chooses to follow and is pulled, or it is just pulled

Source

report of Zeno (Citium) (fragments/reports [c.294 BCE]) by Hippolytus - Refutation of All Heresies §1.21

Book Reference

'The Hellenistic Philosophers:Vol.1 translations', ed/tr. Long,A. /Sedley,D. [CUP 1987], p.386


A Reaction

A nice example, but it is important to keep the distinction clear between freedom and free will. The dog lacks freedom as it is dragged along, but it is still free to will that it is asleep in its kennel.