The Thomistic Institute The Issue of Free Will: Are We the Authors of Our Actions? – Prof. Steven Jensen
Jan 15, 2026
Prof. Steven Jensen, a leading scholar in Thomistic philosophy and bioethics, delves into free will and moral responsibility. He argues that true authorship of our actions relies on self-determination rather than deterministic forces. Jensen critiques compatibilism and emphasizes libertarian agency, discussing our capacity for alternative choices. He explores Aquinas's view of the will as a rational appetite, distinguishing between emotional influences and rational decision-making. Through engaging examples, Jensen presents a compelling defense of human freedom.
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Three Core Positions On Free Will
- Three main positions define the free-will debate: determinism, compatibilism, and libertarianism.
- Each answers whether we are determined and whether we are free in different combinations.
Determinism And The Nature Of Causes
- Determinists argue causes necessitate effects, so caused actions count as determined.
- They claim calling actions 'free' as uncaused makes them random and meaningless.
Compatibilist Definition Of Freedom
- Compatibilists define free actions as those arising from internal beliefs and desires, not as uncaused.
- They argue internal origin suffices for freedom even if heredity and environment determine those states.