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Single Idea 22512

[from 'Eudemian Ethics' by Aristotle, in 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / g. Moral responsibility ]

Full Idea

Whatever a man does - not in ignorance, and through his own agency - when it is in his power not to do it, must be voluntary, and that is what voluntary is.

Gist of Idea

Acts are voluntary if done knowingly, by the agent, and in his power to avoid it

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1225b08)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics I,II and VIII', ed/tr. Woods,Michael [OUP 1992], p.28


A Reaction

This is the conclusion of the Eudemian discussion of responsibility. This is a definition by necessary and sufficient conditions. How can you be sure that something is in your power not to do?

Related Ideas

Idea 22506 A man is the cause of what is within his power, and what he causes is in his power [Aristotle]

Idea 22507 An action is voluntary when it is accompanied by thought of some kind [Aristotle]