An Examination of President Edwards's Inquiry on the Freedom of the Will (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841. Excerpt: ... 140 SECTION X. INFLUENCE OF MOTIVES. External and internal motives--Are motives the causes of acts of choice?--It is the mind that wills--Are motives mere objects of choice?--Mr. Chuhb's scheme of liberty--Does the mind of the agent determine whether motives shall have any efficacy or not?--Does the strongest motive always prevail?--The same outward objects, acting as motives, have not invariably the same relative strength--Meaning of tendency--There is no particular kind of motive which is invariably the strongest--The term motive is not confined to specific desires--Is it by reasoning in a circle, that we come to the conclusion, that the strongest motive will prevail?--Is the strength of a motive measured by the results to which it leads--The vividness of our emotions measured by consciousness--What can induce a man to will in opposition to the strongest motive?--Does the agent give to the weaker motive a preponderance over the stronger one?--Can not the Almighty create beings capable of willing contingently?--Choosing what is most reasonable?--Do we ever choose in opposition to that which is the most agreeable--May not a regard to what is reasonable and right be a stronger motive with some, than the promptings of appetite and passion?--Why are our volitions so variable?--Our calmer feelings often prevail over those which are more violent--Is there any reason why a man wills one way rather than another? In the tenth section, Edwards brings under examination the subject of motives. One principal ground of misapprehension, in the controversy on this point is, that Edwards's definition of motive is so broad, as to comprehend "the whole of that which moves, excites, or invites the mind to volition," while his opponents, some of them at least, understand the...