more from David Hume

Single Idea 2223

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 7. Compatibilism]

Full Idea

By liberty we can only mean a power of acting or not acting according to the determinations of the will, …which is universally allowed to everyone who is not a prisoner and in chains.

Gist of Idea

Liberty is merely acting according to the will, which anyone can do if they are not in chains

Source

David Hume (Enquiry Conc Human Understanding [1748], VIII.I.73)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1975], p.95