Philosophy of Freedom and Human Nature

Freedom

• Human capacity to act (or not act) without external compulsion or restraint.
• An intrinsic and essential property of a person.
• Indicates the ability to make choices and perform actions.
• Sets humans apart from other beings.

Difference of Animals and Humans

• Animals: respond to commands, trained/conditioned, act instinctively (predetermined responses to stimuli).
• Humans: choose course of action, react to stimuli, not predetermined. Example: cleaning a room.

Aristotle (The Power of Volition)

• Volition is the power to use or discharge one's will.
• Absence of intellect means no will.
• Human will is an instrument of free choice.
• Every human has control over their own happiness or worthlessness.

St. Thomas Aquinas (Freedom is Spirituality and Love)

• Intellectual beings seek universal goodness.
• A condition of the will arising from human nature.
• Humans are moral agents.
• Spirituality separates humans from animals; it defines the moral dimension of fulfillment.
• Conscience is a part of human spirituality.
• Humans have the power to change themselves and their surroundings to be better.

Jean Paul Sartre (Individual Freedom)

• Existentialism is a philosophical movement focused on human existence ("to exist").
• Human beings are responsible for building their destiny.
• Existence precedes essence: humans choose who they are.
• Freedom is important in exercising individual choice.
• Freedom involves decision-making, changing one's life path, and controlling one's life through choices.

Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke (Theory of Social Contract)

• Freedom is defined within the context of a government that rules them (contract).
• Individuals agree to sacrifice some freedom to live life in a community.
• Social agreement is necessary for government and people to function effectively.

Kinds of Freedom

• Physical: absence of physical restraint; freedom of movement.
• Psychological: freedom of choice; acting according to what is considered right and wise; acting or not acting. Inherent and cannot be denied.
• Moral: exercising freedom with human dignity; charitable works; being conscious; being prudent; participating in volunteer works.

Freedom and Responsibility

• All actions have consequences.
• Capacity to choose, therefore responsibility for actions.
• Freedom is the power to be who you are and create yourself.
• Personality is the product of the choices we make.
• Freedom helps achieve goals.

Elements defining freedom

• Voluntariness: ability to act out of free will.
• Responsibility: being accountable for one's actions and consequences.

The Nature of the Choices We Make

• Being prudent involves evaluating alternatives before making choices.
• Weighing reasons and considering implications.
• Moral decisions require ethical considerations.

Act of Making a Choice

• Choosing involves evaluating alternatives and weighing reasons.
• Considerations may carry more weight than others.

Ethics

• Deals with the principles of morality.
• Involves critical examination of underlying principles.
• A moral agent is able to distinguish right from wrong and is held accountable for actions.
• Moral decisions are based on ethics, character, proper behavior, and affect well-being of others and of society.

Intellectual vs. Practical Choice

• Intellectual Choice: deliberately selected based on a moral standpoint (normative answers about what one ought to do). Ex: a hypothetical situation
• Practical Choice: based on psychological and emotional considerations, made in an actual situation. Ex : a real-world situation

Moral Dilemma

• Ethical/moral dilemmas involve choosing between undesirable options.
• Difficult situations require decisive decisions with moral implications.
• Moral decision in a dilemma requires considering multiple options and weighing potential consequences.
• Moral principles are often compromised when resolving dilemmas.

Evaluate and Exercise Prudence in Choice

• Careful consideration of choices and implications.
• Awareness of considerations and their future effects.
• Good choices come from experiences and values.

Choices: Consequences and Sacrifices

• Choices involve sacrifices and risks.
• Decisions that are made impact the future and outcomes.
• Weighing consequences when making choices is important.

How to exercise freedom responsibly and beneficially

• Freedom is not absolute; it's subject to limitations and self-interests.
• Limiting personal freedom, understanding boundaries, and respecting others are important.
• Recognizing right and wrong can define limits to freedom.

Theories in Radical Ecological Philosophy

• Deep Ecology: all living things possess equal value; intrinsic worth.
• Social Ecology: ecological problems stem from social structures.
• Ecofeminism: male-centered view of nature is the cause of environmental problems
  • equality between genders is essential for nature protection

The Human Person in Society

• Humans are social beings, interact with others in meaningful ways.
• Society is a group of people who interact frequently, share territory, and have a common culture.
• Societies come together to achieve a common goal.
• Humans shape societies and, in turn, are affected by them.

The Social Contract Theory

• Philosophers explore natural laws governing human societies.
• Individuals create societies through agreements and compromise (social contract).
• Individuals agree to limitations of their freedom to be governed to promote a functioning society.

Intersubjectivity

• People's actions in society are based on mutual understanding and recognition of the common good.
• Common good includes things that benefit people in a community (peace, safety, efficient transportation, clean spaces, etc).
• Societies are shaped by recognition of the importance and worth of each member.

Important People

• Hellen Keller: deaf-blind person who achieved many accomplishments.
• Nicholas Vujicic: motivational speaker born without arms or legs; established a non-profit.
• Roselle Ambubuyog: visually impaired person who graduated summa cum laude.

Underprivileged Sectors in Society

• People who face social deprivation, limitations, and lack of social and economic opportunity and resources.
• Various groups of people can be considered underprivileged.

LGBTQ++ Community

• Members of the LGBTQ community face many challenges and biases in society.
• Discrimination and prejudice often lead to violence and lack of acceptance and equality.
• Members of the community often work to push for greater social understanding as well as political and social change.

Human Dignity

• Dignity of humanity is a vital thing to uphold.
• Actions that respect human dignity and uphold this importance are vital.

Important Concepts

• Sustainability: meeting the needs of the present without compromising future needs.
• Environmental Integrity: maintaining the environment without human interference.
• Economic Efficiency: using resources prudently to reduce waste.
• Equity: ensuring fairness and equal access to opportunities and resources for all.

Explore the concept of freedom and its significance in human nature through philosophical perspectives. This quiz delves into the differences between animals and humans, discussing volition according to Aristotle and the moral implications highlighted by St. Thomas Aquinas. Test your understanding of these essential philosophical ideas.