Divine freedom, exemplary of all freedom

Abstract:

Divine freedom, according to Aquinas, should be considered not only in the line of the specification that constitutes free will, but in the dimension of the exercise of freedom in general. According to this twofold aspect of freedom (duplex volitio), as “immanence of the end” and as “diffusive self-possession”, we must necessarily claim a free term of love in God. Because of the free and immanent diffusivity of its goodness, whose personal character we know by revelation, the freedom of the creative act is guaranteed. This free diffusivity is shared by man, in the natural inclination toward the good, as a kind of “super-liberty” and as the foundation of the formal freedom proper to his free will.

Key words:

divine freedom, freedom of specification, freedom of exercise, duplex volitio, causa sui, divine processions.