back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 5211

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 20. Action / B. Preliminaries of Action / 2. Willed Action / c. Agent causation ]

Full Idea

In cases where the movement of the limbs that are the instruments of action has its origin in the agent himself, it is in his power either to act or not, and therefore such actions are voluntary.

Gist of Idea

An action is voluntary if the limb movements originate in the agent

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1110a15)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.111


A Reaction

He asserts this to show that an action is voluntary even under extreme compulsion or pressure. This seems right, and moves the focus to the concept of an 'excuse', which covers forgivable voluntary actions.