The first way and libertarian free will are not compatible

The first way states that what is in motion is moved by another. If this is true then libertarian free will is false. Libertarian free will is the thesis that nothing outside of myself is the reason for why I have a thought or act, but if it is true that what is in motion is moved by another, then humans do not have libertarian free will since something outside of myself has moved me when I think or act. This means that if the first way is sound, then humans do not have libertarian free will. If we have free will, then the first way is unsound.

To put it more formally: 
Premise 1 The first way is sound. 
Premise 2 If the first way is sound, then what is in motion is moved by another. 
Premise 3 If what is in motion is moved by another, then human thoughts and actions are the results of movers outside of the thinker or actor. 
Premise 4 If human thoughts and actions are the results of movers outside of the thinker or actor, then humans do not have libertarian free will.
Therefore Humans do not have libertarian free will. 

Thomists hold that humans do have libertarian free will, but they also think that the first way is sound; therefore, they must pick one or the other to be consistent in their beliefs. If they choose the first way, then they will not be able to blame human free choices as the cause of evil in the world. This is the cost of affirming the first way. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Is the Trinity compatible with God being Pure Act?

First Post