Single Idea 2904

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / g. Moral responsibility]

Full Idea

The doctrine of will has been invented essentially for the purpose of punishment, that is of finding guilty.

Gist of Idea

The doctrine of free will has been invented essentially in order to blame and punish people

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Twilight of the Idols [1889], 5.7)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Twilight of the Idols and The Anti-Christ', ed/tr. Hollingdale,R.J. [Penguin 1972], p.53


A Reaction

Michael Frede says free will was invented to feel wholly in charge of our own actions. I doubt whether punishment was the first motive. The will just gives a simple explanation of actions.