The formulation of an individual's actions is intrinsically connected to the condition of their heart. At the foundation of human behavior lies the mind, which plays a crucial role in determining actions based on what appears most fulfilling at the moment of decision-making. A thorough examination of the concepts of freedom and liberty necessitates a clarification that we do not imply a state of equilibrium in choice, as suggested by Arminian self-determinism. To further elucidate, moral liberty is characterized as the capacity of the will to function without being compelled by any external factors that would dictate the individual's choice prior to its actualization. Essentially, we contend that the will is influenced and shaped by the most compelling desire that emerges from the mind's assessment of what is most desirable among the available alternatives. This indicates that our choices are neither random nor arbitrary; rather, they are guided by our deeper inclinations and the values we hold, which ultimately inform our preferences and decisions throughout life. Consequently, the interaction between our desires, the state of our hearts, and the decisions we make constitutes a complex and intricately interwoven process that mirrors our inner selves.

In situations where an individual encounters two indistinguishable objects and exhibits a will that is neutral towards both options, this circumstance fails to embody authentic liberty of will. Rather, it indicates a condition of willlessness. Genuine decision-making is characterized by the presence of preference, wherein an individual demonstrates a desire for one option over another, thereby reflecting their personal inclinations and aspirations. The act of choosing necessitates active participation in the selection process, guided by one's individual wants and needs. This perspective elucidates the relationship between the subject and the verb in decision-making contexts. Fundamentally, the act of choosing is inextricably linked to the notion of desire; it involves making selections that align with the chooser's values, objectives, and ambitions. In the absence of such preferences, the act of choosing loses significance, reducing the exercise of will to mere indecisiveness rather than serving as a true manifestation of autonomy and personal agency. Consequently, the essence of liberty in decision-making resides in the capacity to make selections informed by personal desires and inclinations, rather than being immobilized by equivalence, which ultimately results in a deficit of meaningful choice.

When we contend that the process of selection is rooted in the cognitive decision-making framework, we do not suggest that this process is limited to a solely rational paradigm. The perception of objects by the mind is profoundly affected by an individual's depth of understanding as well as the emotional reactions or pleasures that these objects provoke. In other words, moral agency transcends basic rational understanding; individuals frequently possess awareness of ethical principles yet do not always act in accordance with that knowledge. There are numerous occasions when people recognize the moral ramifications of their decisions but still engage in behaviors that contradict this understanding. This discrepancy underscores the intricacy of human behavior, wherein emotions, desires, and cognitive awareness are interwoven, resulting in decisions that may not conform to one’s moral convictions. Consequently, the interaction between rational thought and emotional perception is pivotal in the decision-making process, demonstrating that our choices are influenced by a complex array of factors that extend beyond mere logical reasoning.

Engaging in a discourse on moral ability entails an examination of our understanding of objects of choice, particularly regarding the factors that elicit the most pleasure or align with our profound desires. This understanding transcends superficial evaluation; it constitutes a sophisticated formation shaped by both rational cognitive processes and a spiritual dimension. The latter—referred to as spiritual affections—plays a pivotal role in informing our perceptions. We assert that the development of our preferences, particularly those concerning what we find most fulfilling, is significantly guided by divine knowledge or some form of supernatural influence. This perspective suggests that our moral decision-making is not merely the product of internal transformations within our souls but is also intricately connected to a divine insight that interacts with our cognitive faculties. This supernatural influence serves to amplify certain desires, rendering them more persuasive, thereby assisting us in perceiving the object of our choice in a manner that aligns with our highest pleasures and values. Ultimately, it is our spiritual affections—those inherent feelings and desires grounded in our spiritual existence—that interact with our rational deliberations. This dynamic interplay shapes our comprehension of the objects we contemplate, guiding our moral judgments and allowing us to prioritize good over evil in our decisions. Though this concept may appear intricate, it is essential to consider the significant ramifications it entails for our understanding of moral decision-making.