Chapter 5: Freedom of the Human Person PDF

CHAPTER 5 Freedom of the Human Person  Most Essential Learning 1.Evaluate and exercise prudence in choices; 2.Realize Competencies that: a.Choices have consequences; b.Some things are given up while others are obtained in making choices; and 3. Show situations that demonstra...

CHAPTER 5 Freedom of the Human Person  Most Essential Learning 1.Evaluate and exercise prudence in choices; 2.Realize Competencies that: a.Choices have consequences; b.Some things are given up while others are obtained in making choices; and 3. Show situations that demonstrate freedom of choice and the consequences of their choices.  The Hunger for Power ( Corpuz et.al., 2016) HOW CAN IT BE POSSIBLE FOR A SPECIES, SO INTELLIGENT AND CREATIVE, TO USE THEIR POWERS AND CAPABILITIES TOWARDS THE DESTRUCTION OF THEIR OWN KIND? The answers may lie in humankind’s understanding of human freedom. “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” Toni Morrison, Beloved  Questions of Human Freedom ( Corpuz et.al., 2016) HUMAN FREEDOM IS LARGELY INTERPRETED AS THE CAPACITY to do whatever one wants without hindrance and limitation or simply “doing anything I want.” Should freedom be absolute? If freedom should be limited, what would be its limits? Who or what should determine the limits of freedom? (Positions of Power)  Forms of Freedom ( Corpuz et.,al, 2016) POSITIVE FREEDOM ( Free To ) NEGATIVE FREEDOM ( Free Fro The person has controlled the m )interference or The absence of coercion– something that is mastery over herself and so intentionally imposed on a person. has the strength “I am negatively free ‘to the degree to and confidence to do what is which no human being interferes with good. my activity : to the extent that I enjoy unimpeded and uncoerced choice (Pettit, 1997:17).  EXERCISE You are free from state censorship, but you lack the access to publishing resources. You have access to education and healthcare that empowers you to pursue personal goals, but the government imposes restrictions on what you're allowed to learn or do. The state provides affordable public transportation, ensuring that everyone has the ability to travel. However, it is a heavily surveilled society, the government tracks your movements or restricts travel to certain areas based on your political views. PERSPECTIVE on Freedo  FREEDOM IN CONTROL INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM (B.F. SKINNER) (ARISTOTLE) Control might not be something you Aristotle believes in the existence of can directly associate with freedom. moral acts. It means that it is within our But for Skinner, freedom lies in the power to choose certain actions which controllability of our behaviors. may be good or bad. Behavior shaped by consequences Free will and moral choice Environment can be manipulated Reason guides action through will Adaptation Instead of Escape Responsibility for actions  INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM SPIRITUAL FREEDOM (JEAN-PAUL SARTRE) (THOMAS AQUINAS) You have learned about Sartre in the Aquinas believes that humans are moral beings or previous lesson about existentialism. agents. Most of Aquinas’ ideas are influenced by Existence precedes essence Christianity. Aquinas is known for his Fourfold Freedom at the core of authentic Classification of Law: Free will and moral choice Eternal Law is the mind of God. existence Divine Law It is also the law with regards to our transcending nature. Responsibility for creating one’s life Natural Law applies to human beings. Natural law dictates that “good must be sought and evil avoided. We are inclined to do acts of self-preservation. Human Law is the application of the natural law. Human laws are employed for the common good.  SOCIAL CONTRACT (THOMAS Thomas HOBBES) Hobbes in his work Leviathan, recognizes the presence of the Law of Nature. Just like Aquinas, Hobbes describes the law of nature as a means for self-preservation. This law gives way to the adherence of people to a social contract.  SOCIAL CONTRACT (JEAN - JACQUES ROSSEAU) He is one of the most famous and influential philosophers of the French Enlightenment. In his work, The Social Contract, he elaborated his theory of human nature. Like Hobbes, he believes that the state originated from the social contract freely entered into by its members. However, Hobbes’ idea is in favor of absolute monarchy while Rosseau explained it in terms of absolute democracy or individualism. ELEMENTS FREEDOM OF  VOLUNTARINESS RESPONSIBILITY Refers to a person being Refers to the ability of the person to accountable for their own actions act out of his or her own free will. and consequences. As a free being, the person must A person may act even if he or she is accept the consequences of their not required or called to take action. action and take responsibility for them.  Kinds of Freedom PHYSICAL FREEDOM MORAL Absence of any Upholds human dignity physical PSYCHOLOGICAL and goodness. restraints. Freedom to Freedom of choice. go wherever a person The person is free to wants to go. do what they consider as right and wise.  ANY QUESTIONS?  ACTIVITY Put an up arrow (↑) on the number if the scenario show the responsible use of freedom. Put (↓) if otherwise. 1. While his parents were on vacation, Donald invited his classmates over to their house for an overnight party. Neighbors called the police to complain about the noise, and while a bonfire in the yard almost burned down the house. 2. Instead of spending her excess allowance on new shoes, Rayna decided to open a bank account and start saving up for her future.  ACTIVITY 3. Despite the threats made on his life. The witness decided to come forward and divulge important information regarding the crime that he witnessed. 4. A woman used the internet to humiliate her ex-boyfriend by showing his private photos on social media. 5. Despite being told not to travel to other countries, a seriously ill-businessman still continued on his vacation overseas.  ACTIVITY 6. A man dives into traffic to grab and save a girl who is about to get hit by a speeding car. 7. Despite knowing that many of his clients were poor and desperate, a moneylender continues to impose very high interest rates on them. 8. A businessman resigned from a lucrative position in an overseas firm to start his own business and spend more of his time with his family.