Philosophy of Freedom and Human Persons

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Questions and Answers

What is freedom?

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?

The ability to make choices and perform actions.

What is the primary difference between humans and animals in terms of action? (Select all that apply)

Animals are predetermined responses to certain stimuli while humans have free will. (correct)

Animals respond to commands while humans can choose the course of action. (correct)

Animals are trained and conditioned to perform actions while humans act instinctively.

Animals act instinctively while humans can choose the course of action. (correct)

What is volition?

The faculty or power to use or discharge one's will. Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, human beings are rational.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is freedom, according to St. Thomas Aquinas?

The manner intellectual beings seek universal goodness. Signup and view all the answers

What separates humans from animals, according to St. Thomas Aquinas?

Spirituality Signup and view all the answers

What does St. Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica establish?

The existence of God as a first cause. Signup and view all the answers

What is Existentialism?

A philosophical movement known for its inquiry on human existence, which means 'to exist'. Signup and view all the answers

What is Sartre's principle?

Existence precedes essences. Signup and view all the answers

What does freedom mean in the context of Jean Paul Sartre's existentialism?

Exercising our capacity to make decisions, change our life path and direct the course of our lives through our own steering. Signup and view all the answers

Freedom is something that is exercised through our choices.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the social contract?

An agreement where individuals sacrifice an amount of their freedom and submit to a higher authority. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three kinds of freedom?

Physical freedom, psychological freedom, and moral freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What is physical freedom?

The absence of any physical restraint. Signup and view all the answers

What is psychological freedom?

The freedom of choice. Signup and view all the answers

What is moral freedom?

Using freedom in a manner that upholds human dignity and goodness. Signup and view all the answers

What is negative freedom?

The absence of interference. Signup and view all the answers

Absolute freedom exists.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Freedom of the Human Person (Part 1)

Freedom is the human capacity to act (or not act) as chosen, without external compulsion or restraint.
Freedom is an intrinsic and essential property of a person.
Freedom to make choices and perform actions distinguishes humans from other beings.

Animals vs. Human Persons

Animals respond to commands, and actions are trained or instinctive.
Human persons choose their actions in given situations.
Example: cleaning a room.

Aristotle (The Power of Volition)

Volition is the capacity to use one's will.
Intellect is essential for will.
Humans have free choice, can be good or bad, worthy or worthless.
Human happiness depends on personal actions.
Humans are rational beings, reason is a divine characteristic.

St. Thomas Aquinas (Freedom is Spirituality and Love)

Freedom is the manner in which intellectual beings seek universal goodness.
Human beings are moral agents, distinct from animals due to spirituality.
Conscience is a result of spirituality, guiding the choice between good and evil.
Every human being has the power to improve themselves and the world.
St. Thomas Aquinas asserts God's existence.

Jean Paul Sartre (Individual Freedom)

Existentialism emphasizes the existence of humans.
Humans create their own destiny through choices.
Existence precedes essence: individuals choose who they are, rather than being predetermined.
Importance of free individual choice.

Jean Paul Sartre (Individual Freedom) - continued

Freedom is the ability to make decisions and direct one's life.
Freedom is exercised through choices.

Social Contract theory describes freedom in relation to government.
Individuals agree to give up some freedom for a governing authority in exchange for organization and safety.
The necessity of a higher authority is to ensure society functions properly.

Kinds of Freedom

Physical Freedom: absence of any physical restraint, allowing free movement.
Psychological Freedom: freedom of choice and the ability to act (or not act) based on personal values. This is innate and can not be denied. Examples include choosing friends, partners, academic paths, and one's identity.
Moral Freedom: using freedom to uphold human dignity and do what is good; examples include generosity, empathy, and using technology responsibly.

Positive and Negative Freedom

Negative freedom: absence of interference or coercion.
Positive freedom: requires effort and control to make good choices.

Absolute Freedom

Absolute freedom is not attainable; it always has limitations.
Freedom is coupled with responsibility and a moral compass.

Recap

Freedom and its various perspectives.
Negative & Positive Freedom.
Freedom is not absolute.

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Description

Explore the concept of freedom as a fundamental human property in this quiz. Delve into the distinctions between animals and human beings regarding choice and volition, as well as insights from Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. Learn how rationality and morality shape our understanding of freedom.