The Position Of Voluntarism Claims That

Voluntarism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the primacy of human will over intellect, reason, or external forces in shaping reality. This position suggests that decisions, moral actions, and even knowledge are fundamentally driven by individual or divine will rather than rational thought or deterministic principles.

This topic explores the core principles of voluntarism, its historical and philosophical background, and how it influences ethics, politics, and religion.

Table of Contents

Understanding Voluntarism

What is Voluntarism?

Voluntarism is a school of thought that asserts that the will is the dominant force in human action and reality. It stands in contrast to intellectualism, which argues that reason and rationality govern human behavior.

The idea of voluntarism appears in philosophy, psychology, theology, and political theory, each with its unique interpretation of how free will influences the world.

Key Principles of Voluntarism

Will is the primary driver of action – Decisions are based more on desire and choice than on logic.
Reality is shaped by personal or divine will – Existence is influenced by individual choices or a supreme being’s will.
Emotion and intuition often take precedence over reason – Voluntarists argue that logic alone cannot explain human behavior.
Freedom and autonomy are central values – Individuals have the power to make their own choices, independent of rigid structures.

Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Voluntarism

1. Early Foundations: Augustine and Anselm

Voluntarism has its roots in Christian philosophy, particularly in the works of St. Augustine (354-430 AD) and St. Anselm (1033-1109 AD). Augustine emphasized that human free will plays a crucial role in morality, while Anselm argued that God’s will is supreme and determines the nature of good and evil.

2. Medieval Voluntarism: Duns Scotus and William of Ockham

During the Middle Ages, two influential philosophers expanded voluntarist thought:

Duns Scotus (1266-1308) – Stressed that God’s will is not bound by logic; He chooses what is right or wrong.
William of Ockham (1287-1347) – Claimed that human will is autonomous and not fully determined by reason, reinforcing the idea of moral freedom.

These ideas laid the foundation for later debates on free will, determinism, and moral responsibility.

3. Modern Voluntarism: Kant, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) – Though not strictly a voluntarist, Kant emphasized human autonomy, arguing that morality depends on the will to act according to duty.
Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) – Proposed that the ‘will to live’ is the fundamental driving force of existence, making human desires more powerful than intellect.
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) – Developed the concept of the ‘will to power’, suggesting that individuals shape their own destiny through forceful action and self-overcoming.

Voluntarism in Ethics and Morality

1. Moral Voluntarism: Is Morality Based on Will?

Moral voluntarism suggests that right and wrong are determined by will rather than objective truths. This raises key ethical questions:

Divine Command Theory – Some forms of voluntarism argue that morality depends entirely on God’s will. If God commands something, it is good simply because He wills it.
Human Autonomy in Ethics – Others believe that individuals create their own moral values based on personal will and choice.

2. The Role of Free Will in Moral Responsibility

Voluntarism supports the idea that humans are responsible for their actions because they act out of free will, not because they are rationally or biologically programmed. This perspective impacts:

Legal systems – Punishment is justified because people willfully choose to commit crimes.
Personal accountability – Individuals must take responsibility for their actions rather than blame external circumstances.

Voluntarism in Political Philosophy

1. Individual Freedom and Anarchism

Political voluntarism emphasizes personal autonomy and self-governance, influencing libertarian and anarchist thought. It supports:

Minimal government control – The belief that individuals should make their own choices without state intervention.
Voluntary associations – Society should be based on free agreements rather than enforced laws.

Some extreme voluntarists argue that all forms of government are inherently coercive and should be abolished in favor of self-regulated communities.

2. Social Contract and Political Will

Traditional political theories, such as those of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, discuss the idea of a social contract, where individuals voluntarily agree to form a government. This aligns with voluntarism because it implies that political power is legitimate only if it is based on free choice.

Voluntarism in Religion and Theology

1. Theological Voluntarism: Is God’s Will Absolute?

Theological voluntarism claims that God’s will determines everything, including:

Moral laws – Right and wrong exist because God decrees them.
Human destiny – Salvation or damnation depends on divine will.
Miracles and divine intervention – Reality can be altered at any time by God’s will.

Critics argue that this perspective undermines human rationality and ethical autonomy, making morality seem arbitrary.

2. Religious Freedom and Voluntary Faith

Religious voluntarism also supports the idea that faith must be a personal choice, leading to:

Freedom of religion – People should be free to follow any belief system without coercion.
Spiritual autonomy – Individuals interpret religious teachings based on personal will.

This perspective played a role in the development of secularism and religious tolerance in modern societies.

Voluntarism in Psychology and Human Behavior

1. Willpower and Motivation

Psychological voluntarism suggests that human actions are primarily driven by willpower rather than external stimuli. This concept influences:

Self-determination theory – People are motivated by an internal drive to control their lives.
Personal development – Success depends on the will to overcome challenges, not just intelligence or luck.

2. The Influence of Emotion Over Rationality

Voluntarism aligns with psychological research showing that people often make decisions based on emotions rather than logic. This explains:

Impulsive behavior – Actions are often based on immediate desires rather than calculated reasoning.
Moral decisions – People sometimes choose what feels right rather than what is logically correct.

Challenges and Criticisms of Voluntarism

1. Does Voluntarism Undermine Reason?

Critics argue that voluntarism places too much emphasis on willpower, ignoring the role of reason and logic in decision-making. This can lead to:

Irrational decision-making – Choosing based on emotions rather than facts.
Moral relativism – If morality is just a matter of will, there are no objective ethical standards.

2. The Problem of Determinism

If voluntarism is true, does it mean free will is absolute? Some argue that human actions are still influenced by:

Biological factors – Genetics and brain chemistry shape behavior.
Social conditioning – Upbringing and culture influence choices.

This raises the question: Are people truly free, or are they just acting according to unseen forces?

The Lasting Influence of Voluntarism

The position of voluntarism claims that human will shapes reality, morality, and society. It has played a major role in philosophy, politics, ethics, religion, and psychology, influencing debates on free will, moral responsibility, and personal autonomy.

While voluntarism has strong arguments in favor of individual freedom, it also faces challenges from rationalism, determinism, and empirical science. Ultimately, the balance between will, reason, and external influences remains a central question in understanding human nature and decision-making.