ABSTRACT
The idea that if we are able to change things, to elect not to do so is also to determine what will happen in the world, is very old indeed. For obvious reasons, the idea is only employed when the things that happen are of some significance. The importance of the idea and its history stem from those cases where harm occurs which might Jwvc been averted or in which harm will occur unless it is averted. In such cases, many men have found it natural not only to blame those who could have prevented the harm, but did not do so, but also to think of such men as having brought the harm ahoul, as heing its cause.
