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Single Idea 22131

[from 'works' by John Duns Scotus, in 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 2. Sources of Free Will ]

Full Idea

Scotus said the will is a power for opposites, in the sense that even when actually willing one thing, it retains a real, active power to will the opposite. He detaches the idea of freedom from time and variability.

Gist of Idea

The will retains its power for opposites, even when it is acting

Source

report of John Duns Scotus (works [1301]) by Stephen D. Dumont - Duns Scotus p.206

Book Reference

'Shorter Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Craig,Edward [Routledge 2005], p.206


A Reaction

In the sense that we can abandon an action when in the middle of it, this seems to be correct. Not just 'I could have done otherwise', but 'I don't have to be doing this'. This shows that the will has wide power, but not that it is 'free'.