On Free Choice of the Will

Definition

On Free Choice of the Will is a philosophical concept that explores the nature of human freedom and the ability to make choices independent of divine determinism. It highlights the tension between human agency and the influence of divine will, arguing that individuals possess the capacity to choose between good and evil, which plays a critical role in moral responsibility and ethical behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Augustine argues that free will is essential for true moral responsibility, as it allows individuals to make meaningful choices.
2. He believes that God's foreknowledge does not negate human free will; rather, it exists alongside it in a way that preserves individual agency.
3. The tension between free will and divine grace is central to Augustine's thought, suggesting that while humans can choose freely, they often need divine assistance to choose good.
4. Augustine’s views on free will were influenced by his own struggles with sin and desire, leading him to emphasize the necessity of grace for choosing rightly.
5. This concept has significantly influenced Christian theology and philosophy, shaping debates around predestination, moral choice, and the nature of evil.

Review Questions

• How does Augustine reconcile the concept of free will with God's omniscience in his writings?
  • Augustine addresses this issue by arguing that God's foreknowledge does not interfere with human free will. He maintains that while God knows what choices individuals will make, this knowledge does not cause or determine those choices. Thus, people remain responsible for their actions despite God's awareness of future events, allowing for a coexistence of divine sovereignty and human agency.
• In what ways does Augustine's understanding of free will influence his views on moral responsibility and ethical behavior?
  • Augustine’s understanding of free will is foundational for his views on moral responsibility. He posits that for individuals to be held accountable for their actions, they must possess the capacity to choose freely. This framework establishes that true ethical behavior arises from conscious choices rather than coercion or predetermination. Consequently, moral choices are meaningful only if they stem from an individual's free will.
• Evaluate the impact of Augustine's concept of free choice of the will on contemporary discussions about ethics and morality.
  • Augustine's concept has left a lasting impact on contemporary discussions about ethics by framing the debate around human agency versus determinism. His insistence on the importance of free will in moral decision-making continues to resonate in modern philosophical discourse, where scholars examine issues like autonomy, accountability, and the role of external influences on choice. By highlighting the need for divine grace in making morally good choices, Augustine also opens up discussions about the interplay between individual responsibility and social or systemic factors influencing behavior today.

Related terms

Divine Grace: The unearned and freely given assistance from God that enables individuals to choose good and pursue righteousness, despite their inherent sinful nature.

Original Sin: The doctrine that posits all humans inherit a fallen state due to Adam and Eve's disobedience, which impacts their ability to choose good without divine intervention.

Moral Responsibility: The accountability of individuals for their actions, grounded in the belief that they have the freedom to choose between right and wrong.