Arbitrium, liberum
Arbitrium, liberum
Livy used the expression, libera arbitria, signifying free decisions. Tertullian used either liberum arbitrium or libertas arbitrii, meaning freedom of choice. Augustine spoke of the liberum voluntatis arbitrium, free choice of the will. He held that voluntas and liberum are the same. Since liberum arbitrium implies the power to do evil, it is distinct from libertas, which is the good use of the liberum arbitrium. God is free, but He can do no wrong, Anselm preferred the term, libertas arbitrii. Thomas Aquinas taught that voluntas and liberum arbitrium are one potency. The expression has come to mean free will or choice. — J.J.R.