Subject
Edwards, Jonathan, 1703-1758. Freedom of the will Books
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Henry Philip Tappan
A Review of Edwards's "Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will"
"A Review of Edwards's 'Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will'" by Henry Philip Tappan is a philosophical critique and examination of Jonathan Edwards's theories on the nature of will and moral responsibility, written in the early 19th century. The work addresses the complex interactions between human choice, psychological principles, and theological concerns, particularly as they relate to concepts of free will and determinism. Tappan aims to unpack and clarify Edwards's ideas, evaluating the implications of accepting a self-determining will. At the start of the text, Tappan introduces the primary objective of his review: to systematically analyze Edwards's theories about the will as presented in his original work. He emphasizes the importance of approaching the subject of will from a psychological standpoint rather than merely a theological one, urging a clear understanding of the will's nature and functions. Tappan outlines his intended sections, which include a statement of Edwards's system, the consequences of this system, and a critical assessment of the arguments surrounding the self-determining will, setting the stage for a thorough exploration of the philosophical issues tied to human freedom and moral agency.
Albert Taylor Bledsoe
An Examination of President Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will
"An Examination of President Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will" by Albert Taylor Bledsoe is a philosophical treatise written in the mid-19th century. The work critically engages with Jonathan Edwards' ideas on moral necessity and free will, exploring the foundations and implications of these philosophical concepts. Bledsoe aims to dispute Edwards' assertions about the relationship between volition, motive, and moral agency, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of free will that diverges from determinism. The opening of the treatise presents Bledsoe’s approach to critically assess Edwards' "Inquiry" without bias, emphasizing his intent to uncover the truth regarding the nature of the will. He identifies the central question of Edwards' work—what determines the will—and clarifies the definitions of key terms like "volition" and "motive." Bledsoe critiques the assumption that motives serve simply as causes for volition, arguing that such a perspective leads to logical inconsistencies, including the potential for an infinite regress of causes. He also outlines his intent to disentangle the ideas of moral necessity and freedom, suggesting that a deeper examination of consciousness and the role of the mind is crucial for understanding human agency.
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