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What is freedom, according to the text?
What is freedom, according to the text?
The human capacity to act (or not to act) as we choose or prefer without any external compulsion or restraint.
What is an important indication of human freedom?
What is an important indication of human freedom?
The ability to make choices and perform actions.
What is the difference between animals and human persons when it comes to their actions?
What is the difference between animals and human persons when it comes to their actions?
According to Aristotle, what is the power of volition?
According to Aristotle, what is the power of volition?
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Aristotle believed that a human being is rational.
Aristotle believed that a human being is rational.
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What is the role of the human being according to St. Thomas Aquinas?
What is the role of the human being according to St. Thomas Aquinas?
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What separates us from animals according to St. Thomas Aquinas?
What separates us from animals according to St. Thomas Aquinas?
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What did St. Thomas Aquinas establish in his Summa Theologica?
What did St. Thomas Aquinas establish in his Summa Theologica?
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Humans are only material beings.
Humans are only material beings.
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What is existentialism, as defined in the text?
What is existentialism, as defined in the text?
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What does Sartre emphasize regarding human freedom?
What does Sartre emphasize regarding human freedom?
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Freedom should be absolute.
Freedom should be absolute.
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What is a law, according to the text?
What is a law, according to the text?
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Natural law is universal and unchanging.
Natural law is universal and unchanging.
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Eternal law is fully knowable to humans.
Eternal law is fully knowable to humans.
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Where does Divine law come from?
Where does Divine law come from?
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What is human law usually considered in opposition to?
What is human law usually considered in opposition to?
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What is the basis for the notion of moral obligation and duty in the context of having a government to rule?
What is the basis for the notion of moral obligation and duty in the context of having a government to rule?
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The mandatory use of face masks is always a violation of our freedom.
The mandatory use of face masks is always a violation of our freedom.
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Freedom of speech can be exercised appropriately in all situations.
Freedom of speech can be exercised appropriately in all situations.
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What does physical freedom refer to?
What does physical freedom refer to?
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Psychological freedom is innate and cannot be denied.
Psychological freedom is innate and cannot be denied.
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What is moral freedom based on?
What is moral freedom based on?
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What is meant by negative freedom?
What is meant by negative freedom?
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What is positive freedom?
What is positive freedom?
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Freedom is always coupled with responsibility.
Freedom is always coupled with responsibility.
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Study Notes
Freedom of the Human Person
- Human freedom is the capacity to act (or not act) as one chooses, without external compulsion or restraint.
- It's an intrinsic and essential aspect of being human.
- An important indicator of human freedom is the ability to make choices and perform actions.
- This ability distinguishes humans from other beings.
Anima vs. Human Person
- Anima LS (animals/lower forms of life): respond to commands and conditioned to perform actions instinctively.
- Human Person: can choose the course of action when presented with a stimulus or situation. (e.g., cleaning the classroom)
Volition (Aristotle)
- The ability to choose and determine.
- If intellect does not exist, there would be no will.
- Free will is a capacity for anyone to be good or bad. This is a power of choice.
St. Thomas Aquinas (Spirituality and Love)
- The human being is a moral agent.
- Humans have a duty to do good and avoid evil.
- Spirituality separates humans from animals.
- Spirituality gives humans a conscience.
- Choosing to be good or evil is a human responsibility.
St. Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologica)
- Established that God exists as the first cause.
- Humans, as God's creations, have the ability to change themselves and the world around them.
Jean Paul Sartre (Individual Freedom)
- A philosophical theory of existentialism, focusing on the individual.
- Emphasizes the existence of individuals as free and responsible agents.
- Individuals determine their development through acts of will.
- Humans desire to be God, existing as beings whose existence is self-sufficient (en sui causa).
- The individual creates their own destiny.
Sartre's Emphasis on Freedom
- Sartre emphasizes the importance of individual choice, regardless of the influences or coercion from others.
- Freedom is paramount in making individual decisions.
Freedom Is Exercised Through Choices
- Freedom requires active exercise through individual choices.
Theory of Social Contract (Hobbes & Rousseau)
- Defined freedom in the context of having a government.
- Individuals surrender some freedom to a government through contract.
- This creates a basis for moral obligation and duty.
Social Contract
- An agreement where individuals sacrifice some freedom to obey a higher authority (government).
- This is necessary for the functioning of a government and society.
Freedom of Speech Scenarios
- The use of face masks and shields is questioned in a social contract context.
- Free speech is analyzed in a given picture.
Kinds of Freedom
1. Physical Freedom
- Absence of any physical restraint.
- Freedom of movement and mobility.
2. Psychological Freedom
- Also called "freedom of choice."
- Free to perform actions deemed right and wise.
- Free to act or not act.
- Innate and cannot be denied to a person.
- Examples: choosing friends, partners, and courses in college.
3. Moral Freedom
- Using freedom to uphold human dignity and goodness.
- Examples: charitable works, outreach, sensitivity, and prudent use of media
Positive and Negative Freedom
- Negative freedom: You failed to use freedom in a responsible manner.
- Positive freedom: Requires effort, personal control, and doing what is good.
- Example: Finishing school requirements before pursuing other activities.
Absolute Freedom
- With no form of hindrance.
- Freedom is not absolute.
- Freedom is always coupled with responsibility.
Law
- A set of rules created by social/government institutions to regulate behavior.
Classifications of Law
1. Natural Law
- A body of unchanging moral principles.
- The foundation for human conduct (universal).
2. Eternal Law
- God's perfect plan, not fully knowable to humans.
- It determines the behavior of elements in nature (animals, planets), and how people should behave in society.
- It represents God's plan and purpose for creation.
3. Divine Law
- Biblical law necessary for human salvation. -Comes from divine revelation (scripture).
4. Human Law
- Man-made law.
- Usually contrasted with natural and divine laws.
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