Simplicius on Free Choice and on What Is Up to Us Cover Image

Szimplikiosz a szabad választásról és arról, ami rajtunk múlik
Simplicius on Free Choice and on What Is Up to Us

Author(s): Péter Lautner
Subject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem
Keywords: Simplicius; Epictetus; Handbook; Free Choice

Summary/Abstract: The paper seeks to understand Simplicius’ notion of the relation between opinion, desire, pursuit and aversion, all of which are said to be up to us, on the one hand and free choice (προαίρεσις) on the other. In commenting on passages in Epictetus’ Handbook, the Neoplatonic philosopher explains it in terms of a causal relation where free choice is responsible for the arousal of these mental phenomena. Properly executed, opinion, desire, pursuit and aversion are manifestations of human autonomy. The root of human autonomy, however, is free choice, insofar as it is in line with nature as a normative criterion which gives rise to appropriate actions.

  • Issue Year: 13/2020
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 111-118
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Hungarian
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