Animal Freedom in Luis de Molina’s Concordia

Abstract

One of the fundamental points of Luis de Molina’s (1535-1600) Concordia is the definition of human free-will, which he formulates at the beginning of this work, and by which he distinguishes between free agents and natural agents. In this context, we aim at articulating two aspects of the concept of freedom: 1) we examine the definition of free-will, emphasizing the stress Molina puts on rationality and the possibility of indifferent and contingent action. This capacity of the free agent contrasts with the necessary action of natural agents; 2) we show how, nonetheless, Molina holds that there is a certain kind of freedom in animals, conditioned by the intensity of internal and circumstantial forces.

Key words: Freedom; necessity; animals.

Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Authors: Aristotle; Cyril of Alexandria; John Buridan; Thomas Aquino; Thomas Cajetan; Francisco Zumel; Luis de Molina.