Single Idea 5010

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 1. Nature of Free Will]

Full Idea

It is so evident that we are possessed of a free will that can give or withhold its assent, that this may be counted as one of the first and most common notions found innately in us.

Gist of Idea

Our free will is so self-evident to us that it must be a basic innate idea

Source

René Descartes (Principles of Philosophy [1646], I.39)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Philosophical Essays and Correspondence', ed/tr. Ariew,Roger [Hackett 2000], p.241


A Reaction

It seems to me plausible to say that we have an innate conception of our own will (our ability to make decisions), though Hume says we only learn about the will from experience, but the idea that it is absolutely 'free' might never cross our minds.