Scott Warren, ETS National Conference, November 17, 2005
Page 4
The diagram above illustrates the relationship between ability, inclination
and freedom. Out of all conceivable actions, we are able to perform only some.
There is also only a subset of conceivable actions that we want to do. The two
subsets overlap to some degree. Thus, there are some conceivable actions that we
have neither the inclination nor the ability to do.
5
There are other things that we
want to do, but are unable.
6
And some things that we have the ability to do, we
would not want to do.
7
The overlap of the two circles in the diagram defines the
actions that a person has both the inclination and the ability to do. All free actions
are contained within this subset of conceivable actions.
8
We are free to act
anywhere within the scope of our abilities (i.e., we can do so). However, we will
act freely only within the scope of our inclinations.
Looking again to the disagreement over unregenerate humans doing the
things of God or responding to the Gospel with faith, this framework clarifies the
5
E.g., swallowing a live adult crocodile whole.
6
E.g., flying without external assistance.
7
E.g., drinking hydrochloric acid.
8
The overlapping domain does, however, represent a larger set of actions than those we actual do
it includes everything that we might do freely. One may be compelled to do something that one has
the ability, but not the inclination, to do (thus falling within the domain of ability, but outside the
domain of inclination). Within the realm of possible free actions (the overlapping domain), the
actual course of events will be directed by one's relative inclinations. I may want to visit a friend in
Boston for an evening. I may also have interest in visiting a friend in Los Angeles the same evening.
Here I encounter a dilemma. While I could visit either, I cannot visit both. I will need to choose
between the two, based on which I desire more strongly. Alternately, there may also be a limitation
in my desire for two compatible options. I may have an interest in listening to two different kinds of
music. While I could do both (provided I have two stereos), I probably do not want to do both at the
same time. Again, I will choose based on the greater inclination, since I find doing both less
satisfying than doing only one.