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Anselm on Free Will and Divine Omnibenevolence

Abstract:This paper aims to explicate Anselm’s solution to the paradox between the sin caused by free will and divine omnibenevolence. The first section of this paper investigates Anselm’s distinction between the three senses of “will.” The second section introduces Anselm’s definitions of rectitude and justice. Then I proceed to analyse Anselm’s definitions of freedom and free will. Here I explain Anselm’s distinction between freedom and spontaneity and why alternative possibilities constitute the necessary condition for the spontaneity of a rational creature. Combining all these elements, I sketch Anselm’s framework of libertarianism. In the last section, I apply this framework to explain how Anselm’s libertarian position is compatible with divine omnibenevolence. On the one hand, I use the case of Lucifer to explain in what sense the emergence of the primal sin does not affect divine omnibenevolence; on the other hand, with regard to the case of human beings, I focus on the problem of in what sense the essential function of human free will is not replaced by divine grace.