Ethics Q6 a1 Respondeo (Part 2)

Summary

In this ethics class, the discussion revolves around Aquinas' exploration of voluntary action, focusing on the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic principles of motion. The lecture delves into the necessity of 'some knowledge of the end' for voluntary acts, suggesting a spectrum of self-movement and voluntariness. It contrasts human voluntary action with that of animals, hinting at degrees of knowledge and freedom. The session sets the stage for future discussions on the limitations and implications of this knowledge, emphasizing the importance of understanding the end in voluntary actions.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lecture discusses Aquinas' exploration of voluntary action, focusing on the concept of 'voluntary' and the principles of motion.
• 🌳 The 'Porphyrian tree' is used to summarize Aquinas' arguments, distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic principles of motion.
• 🔍 Aquinas argues that for an action to be done for an end, some knowledge of the end is necessary, even if the end does not yet exist.
• 🤔 The concept of 'end' is crucial in defining change, and Aquinas suggests that this end must exist in the form of knowledge, either in the thing itself or impressed upon it.
• 🧠 The necessity of knowledge of the end introduces a philosophical problem, as the end, by definition, does not yet exist and thus cannot be known in the usual sense.
• 📉 Aquinas makes a distinction between things that move themselves (self-movers) and those that do not, which is tied to the presence of knowledge of the end within the thing.
• 🐾 The example of an archer and an arrow illustrates how an end can be impressed upon an object from an external source, differentiating it from self-movers.
• 🧩 The lecture introduces the idea of a 'twofold interiority' in voluntary actions, where both the motion and the knowledge of the end originate from within the agent.
• 🔑 The term 'some' in 'some knowledge of the end' is highlighted as significant, implying varying degrees of knowledge and, consequently, varying degrees of voluntariness.
• 🧩 The discussion concludes with a focus on human voluntariness, suggesting that humans, to the extent they have knowledge of their ends, exhibit a high degree of self-movement and voluntariness.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the ethics class video?

The main topic of the ethics class video is the discussion of voluntary action, focusing on Aquinas' response to question 6, article 1, and the concept of 'voluntary' in the context of intrinsic principles of motion and knowledge of the end.

What is the significance of the term 'voluntary' in the video?

In the video, 'voluntary' refers to actions that originate from an intrinsic principle within a being, indicating that the actions and movements are from the being's own inclination.

What does Aquinas claim is necessary for a thing to be done for an end?

Aquinas claims that some knowledge of the end is necessary for a thing to be done for an end, suggesting that the end, or the final state of change, plays a crucial role in defining the change.

How does Aquinas address the problem of the end not existing yet?

Aquinas addresses the problem by stating that the end must exist in some form, either as a substance or as a being of reason, implying that it must exist in the mind as knowledge.

What is the difference between self-movers and non-self-movers according to the video?

Self-movers are entities that have an intrinsic principle of motion and knowledge of the end within themselves, while non-self-movers lack this knowledge and are moved by external principles.

What role does the concept of 'some knowledge of the end' play in Aquinas' argument?

The concept of 'some knowledge of the end' introduces the idea of degrees of knowledge and voluntariness, suggesting that only God has complete knowledge of the end, while all other beings have partial knowledge, which affects their degree of self-motion and voluntariness.

How does Aquinas differentiate between the voluntary actions of humans and animals?

Aquinas differentiates voluntary actions by suggesting that animals possess sensitive knowledge, while humans possess rational knowledge. This distinction implies that humans have a higher degree of voluntariness due to their rational knowledge.

What does the video suggest about the relationship between knowledge of the end and freedom?

The video suggests that the degree of knowledge of the end an entity has is directly related to its freedom and voluntariness, with complete knowledge of the end being associated with complete freedom, which is attributed only to God.

What is the significance of the word 'especially' in Aquinas' concluding statement about human voluntariness?

The word 'especially' in Aquinas' concluding statement is used to highlight that humans, compared to other animals, have a greater degree of knowledge of the end and self-motion, but it is not meant to suggest that humans are more voluntary than divine beings like God or angels.

What is the next topic that the video suggests will be discussed in the class?

The next topic to be discussed in the class is the reply to objection one, which will address the major problem raised by the objector regarding the intrinsic principle of motion and how it relates to voluntary actions.