Abstract

In this work we develop a discussion that seeks to clarify and substantiate the thesis that the late medieval voluntarism, mainly that of Duns Scotus, is a factor whose consideration is essential to understand the origin of modern thought and its drift in a culture of freedom and innovation as ends in themselves. By voluntarism we understand the conception of the divine and also human will as a power that determines itself in its act and that, in this particular sense, is absolutely free, since it does not recognize any other influence beyond itself. Both the act of will and its effect are then understood as an entirely new and original product. We carry out a critical analysis of this voluntarism based on the texts of Scotus and other medieval authors, and a historical-philosophical analysis of its possible influence on the evolution of modern philosophy.