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]