back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 5009

[from 'Principles of Philosophy' by René Descartes, in 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 4. Responsibility for Actions ]

Full Idea

We do not praise automata, although they respond exactly to the movements they were designed to produce, since their actions are performed necessarily

Gist of Idea

We do not praise the acts of an efficient automaton, as their acts are necessary

Source

René Descartes (Principles of Philosophy [1646], I.37)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Philosophical Essays and Correspondence', ed/tr. Ariew,Roger [Hackett 2000], p.240


A Reaction

I say we attribute responsibility when we perceive something like a 'person' as causing them. We don't blame small animals, because there is 'no one at home', but we blame children as they develop a full character and identity. We can ignore free will.