A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and Inductive, 7th Edition, Vol. I
John Stuart Mill · en
§ 5. Among active states of mind, there is, however, one species which
merits particular attention, because it forms a principal part of the
connotation of some important classes of names. I mean _volitions_, or
acts of the will. When we speak of sentient beings by relative names, a
large portion of the connotation of the name usually consists of the
actions of those beings; actions past, present, and possible or probable
future. Take, for instance, the words Sovereign and Subject. What
meaning do these words convey, but that of innumerable actions, done or
to be done by the sovereign and the subjects, to or in regard to one
another reciprocally? So with the words physician and patient, leader
and follower, tutor and pupil. In many cases the words also connote
actions which would be done under certain contingencies by persons other
than those denoted: as the words mortgagor and mortgagee, obligor and
obligee, and many other words expressive of legal relation, which
connote what a court of justice would do to enforce the legal obligation
if not fulfilled. There are also words which connote actions previously
done by persons other than those denoted either by the name itself or by
its correlative; as the word brother. From these instances, it may be
seen how large a portion of the connotation of names consists of
actions. Now what is an action? Not one thing, but a series of two
things: the state of mind called a volition, followed by an effect. The
volition or intention to produce the effect, is one thing; the effect
produced in consequence of the intention, is another thing; the two
together constitute the action. I form the purpose of instantly moving
my arm; that is a state of my mind: my arm (not being tied or paralytic)
moves in obedience to my purpose; that is a physical fact, consequent on
a state of mind. The intention, followed by the fact, or (if we prefer
the expression) the fact when preceded and caused by the intention, is
called the action of moving my arm.
§ 6. Of the first leading division of nameable things, viz. Feelings or
States of Consciousness, we began by recognising three subdivisions;
Sensations, Thoughts, and Emotions. The first two of these we have
illustrated at considerable length; the third, Emotions, not being
perplexed by similar ambiguities, does not require similar
exemplification. And, finally, we have found it necessary to add to
these three a fourth species, commonly known by the name Volitions.
Without seeking to prejudge the metaphysical question whether any mental
state or phenomenon can be found which is not included in one or other
of these four species, it appears to me that the amount of illustration
bestowed upon these may, so far as we are concerned, suffice for the
whole genus. We shall, therefore, proceed to the two remaining classes
of nameable things; all things which are external to the mind being
considered as belonging either to the class of Substances or to that of
Attributes.