Philosophy of Human Action and Freedom

Human actions have results, both positive and negative, influenced by intellect and will.

Humans have the ability to choose and act, influenced by reason and intellect.

The ability to understand and apply knowledge to make sensible decisions.

Aristotle believed the will, guided by the intellect, was crucial for implementing choices through action.

Freedom exists in intellect, politics, spirituality, and economics, beyond constraints.

A rule established by reason, forbidding actions that threaten one's life or the means to preserve it, and encouraging actions to preserve life.

The pursuit of peace as a means to self-preservation, leading individuals to seek peaceful relations, avoiding conflict.

Mutual giving up of certain rights to achieve peace, ensuring each person has similar freedom.

The mutual transferring of rights, creating obligations and forming moral duty between individuals.

Rights necessary for self-defense cannot be given up in a contract because they are fundamental for the act of making a contract.

Driven by the need to secure self-preservation, through reasoned organization from the chaos of the state of nature.

Peace is fundamental, but self-defense is critical in the absence of that peace.

Contracts in a state of nature without established authority aren't trustworthy and enforceable due to self-interest.

Aristotle believed that reason is a divine characteristic, setting humans apart and allowing them to make rational choices.

St. Thomas Aquinas argued that humans, unlike animals, are moral agents capable of understanding good and evil and making moral choices.

Aquinas believed that the conscience allows humans to recognize good and evil, making us morally responsible for our actions.

Aquinas emphasized the unity of a human's physical and spiritual components, unlike Aristotle's separation.

Aquinas believed humans can't achieve moral progress alone and need guidance from a higher power like God.

God's ultimate rule governing all creation, from which all human laws derive.

Humans participating in eternal law through reason, inclining us towards good and avoiding evil.

Laws made by humans based on the common good, dealing with external actions.

Based on revelation, encompassing the Old and New Testaments, leading to complete happiness found in God through love.

Found only in God through love, not achieved only through law.

Sartre believed humans are free to choose their actions and define their own purpose. There are no pre-defined paths or external constraints.

Sartre's idea that individuals first exist and then create their own meaning and purpose.

Living authentically means making choices free from external pressure and taking full responsibility for your actions.

Avoiding responsibility and blaming external factors instead of choosing your own path.

Practices like self-denial and abstinence can contribute to inner peace by reducing external desires and focusing on inner growth.

Practices like abstinence can contribute to the pursuit of lasting happiness by reducing distractions and focusing on spiritual or philosophical ideals.

The freedom to choose between good and evil, guided by conscience and the love of God.

Sartre suggests that our actions shape our character; we are responsible for who we become.

The idea that individuals agree to give up some of their freedoms in exchange for the protection and benefits of living in a society.

Rousseau believed that humans are inherently good but corrupted by society, civilization, and progress, leading to conflict and deceit.

The collective will of the people, which is considered to be morally superior to individual will and should guide the actions of the state.

A peaceful revolution in the Philippines in 1986 that exemplified the social contract theory by ousting a dictator through popular will.

While both believed in a social contract, Hobbes favored absolute monarchy while Rousseau advocated for absolute democracy and individualism.

The principle that individuals must keep their agreements (covenants). Without this law, promises are meaningless and society remains in a state of conflict.

A condition where everyone prioritizes their own self-preservation and survival, leading to constant fear and potential conflict.

A form of government that enforces laws to maintain order and protect individuals. It's achieved through either voluntary agreement or forced submission.

A government formed through a voluntary agreement where individuals agree to give up some of their freedoms in exchange for security. Fear of harm motivates this agreement.

The ultimate, supreme power of a ruler, who cannot be challenged or replaced by the people. This power is absolute and cannot be limited by the subjects.

An agreement where individuals voluntarily give up some of their freedoms in exchange for the protection and benefits of a society.

A peaceful revolution where citizens use nonviolent methods to bring about political change.

Oppressive and cruel rule by a single person or group, often characterized by abuse of power.

The environment shapes behavior by rewarding or punishing actions.

Learning through the consequences of our actions.

Individuals should strike a balance between respecting the environment and interacting with others.

Avoid the temptation to blame the environment for others' shortcomings.

Making wise and responsible choices by considering consequences.

The concept that individuals have inherent rights that should be protected and upheld in a social system, as opposed to being solely dependent on the state or collective.

Ayn Rand believed that individual minds are the key to economic progress, and that laissez-faire capitalism is the best system to protect these minds and their potential.

Filipino ethics emphasizes duty over rights, with a holistic view of the individual as a person with dignity and freedom. This is similar to Chinese and Indian cultures.

The idea that humans have the freedom to think or not think, and choosing to think is a crucial aspect of individual responsibility.

People who accept the status quo without questioning or challenging it, often due to lack of critical thinking or being comfortable with existing systems.

The ability to act independently and make choices without external constraints, often debated as a product of human nature or environmental influence.

The impact of the environment, including social, cultural, and physical factors, on shaping individual behavior and choices.

Unpleasant experiences or situations that individuals seek to avoid, often influencing behavior and limiting freedom.

Techniques used to shape behavior through positive and negative reinforcements, often impacting individual actions.

Skinner argues that true freedom is difficult to achieve due to constant environmental influences, emphasizing the need for redesigning environments to promote individual choice.

Skinner emphasizes eliminating negative influences from the environment to foster freedom and individual choice.

A key concept in Skinner's theory, focusing on altering the environment to promote individual choice and freedom.

The process by which individuals learn the values, norms, and behaviors accepted in society, shaping their perspectives on success and goal setting.

The need to shift our perspective on the environment, moving beyond surface changes to a deeper understanding and reinterpretation of values and priorities.

The existence of contradictory aspects within life, such as both good and bad experiences, requiring a balance and acceptance of imperfection.