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Single Idea 19368

[from 'New Essays on Human Understanding' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 7. Compatibilism ]

Full Idea

Choice, however much the will is determined to make it, should not be called absolutely and strictly necessary: a predominance of goods of which one is aware inclines without necessitating, though this is determining and never fails to have its effect.

Gist of Idea

The will determines action, by what is seen as good, but it does not necessitate it

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (New Essays on Human Understanding [1704], 2.21)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'New Essays on Human Understanding', ed/tr. Remnant/Bennett [CUP 1996], p.199


A Reaction

Something like seeing that 7+5 equals 12 makes you say '12', but it doesn't actually necessitate your saying '12'? Certain facts seem determined by nature, but not necessitated. Or not necessarily necessitated?