Philosophy of Freedom and Human Nature

Freedom

• Human capacity to act or not act as chosen without external compulsion or restraint
• Intrinsic and essential property of a person
• Indication of human freedom: ability to make choices and perform actions
• Freedom separates humans from other beings

Difference of Animals and Humans

• ANIMALS: Respond to commands, trained and conditioned to perform actions instinctively (predetermined responses to stimuli)
• HUMANS: Choose course of action when given a stimulus or faced with a situation (e.g., cleaning a room)

Aristotle (The Power of Volition)

• Volition is the faculty or power to use or discharge one's will.
• Intellect is necessary for a will to exist
• Will is an instrument of free choice and can be good or bad
• Humans are rational beings, reason is a divine characteristic

St. Thomas Aquinas (Freedom is Spirituality and Love)

• Intellectual beings seek universal goodness
• A condition of the will arising from being in a moral world
• Human beings are moral agents
• Spirituality separates humans from animals
• Humans have a conscience and are responsible for choosing good or evil
• God as the first cause, humans have unique power to change themselves and their environment

Jean Paul Sartre (Individual Freedom)

• Existentialism: Human beings build their own destiny; they are the creator
• Existence precedes essence: Individuals choose who they are
• Free individual choice is important, regardless of other's influence
• Freedom is exercised through choices

Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke (Theory of Social Contract)

• Freedom exists within a context of a governing authority (contract)
• Individuals sacrifice some individual freedom to submit to a higher authority in a social contract
• Social contract is a necessity for a functional, working society

Kinds of Freedom

• Physical Freedom: Absence of physical restraint, allowing mobility
• Psychological Freedom: Ability to make choices without coercion

Moral Freedom

• Using freedom to uphold human dignity and goodness
• Examples: charitable works, outreach, sensitivity to others, responsible social media use, volunteering

Freedom and Responsibility

• Freedom involves consequences
• Freedom is innate and cannot be denied
• Freedom is used in a manner that upholds human dignity

Choices (Freedom Comes with Great Responsibilities)

• All actions have consequences, freedom involves choice
• Chance and choosing are linked. Responsible for consequences of choices
• Freedom is the ability to determine and create one's self, personality is shaped by choices
• Person's actions shape the person they become
• Freedom requires self-control

Voluntariness, Responsibility, and Moral Decisions

• Voluntariness – ability to act out of free will
• Responsibility – accountability for one's actions and consequences
• Moral decisions are choices based on ethics, character and principles affecting self and others

The Act of Making a Choice

• Weighing reasons and considering alternatives when making a choice
• Considerations given more weight than others influence choices

Ethics

• Branch of philosophy examining moral principles
• A moral agent is responsible for their choices
• Moral decisions are based on ethics, manners, character, and beliefs influencing self and others

Intellectual Choice vs. Practical Choice

• Intellectual Choice: Deliberate selection based on moral principles, normative answers about what ought to be done considering societal acceptance, theoretical
• Practical Choice: Driven by psychological and emotional considerations, choices influenced by personal situations and emotions, actual situation

Moral Dilemma

• Situation where a person faces conflicting options, neither of which is acceptable
• Situations with moral implications require a reasoned decision

Evaluate and Exercise Prudence in Choice

• Prudence in choice involves awareness of choices' implications
• Individual capacity for good choices arises from experiences and values
• Choices have consequences for oneself and others

Sacrifices and Choices

• Necessary sacrifices are part of growth and decision-making
• Risks and consequences are part of taking daunting tasks
• Personal progress is tied to choices' weighted consequences

The Given and the Chosen

• Human freedom exists but has reasonable limitations
• Self-interests must be balanced with sacrifices
• Need for prudence, knowledge, and recognition of others' rights
• Exercise of freedom with respect to others’ well-being

The Human Person in the Environment

• Environmental philosophy studies human relationships with the environment
• Humans have the ability to change the environment
• Human impact significantly affects the environment

Three Major Views on the Relationship Between Humanity and the Environment

• Anthropocentrism: Humans are the most important, nature is a resource, and free to use its resources
• Biocentrism: All living things have inherent value and should be protected
• Ecocentrism: Human beings are part of a larger biological system and have stewardship responsibilities for nature (e.g. protecting plants)

Environmental Aesthetics

• Philosophical view, maintaining order in environment to appreciate natural beauty which benefits humans

Sustainable Development

• Meeting current needs without sacrificing resources for future generations

3 Important Principles of Sustainability

• Environmental integrity: Human activities should not disrupt the ecosystem and communities
• Economic efficiency: Prudence and frugality are needed in resource use (e.g., regulating waste)
• Equity: Using natural resources to ensure conservation for future generations

Theories in Radical Ecological Philosophy

• Deep ecology: Arne Naess, all living things have inherent worth
• Social ecology: Murray Bookchin, social hierarchy creates ecological problems
• Ecofeminism: Nature is the root cause of ecological problems, male-centered view is problematic

The Human Person in Society

• Humans have roles and responsibilities within their community
• Societies provide structure for individuals
• Human beings are social creatures
• We have different relationships that shape us
• Society refers to an organized group of people with common territory and culture

Social Contract Theory

• Individuals cooperate and compromise to gain structure in society (agreement)
• Humans are in a natural state prior to forming a society
• Natural state can be regulated by higher authority and laws
• Agreement between people and governing power gives rise to society

Intersubjectivity

• Importance of considering human dignity when dealing with those with disabilities or from vulnerable socioeconomic backgrounds

Vulnerable Sectors of Society (Marginalization and Discrimination)

• Persons with disabilities (PWDs): experience different forms of violence and obstacles in society, they have goals like everyone else
• Underprivileged groups: in society that experience different forms of social deprivation, and human rights violations, like poverty, inequality, and discrimination
• LGBTQI+ community: vulnerable to different types of violence, discrimination, bullying, etc, and discrimination in society