2nd Quarter Week 1 Review: Human Freedom PDF

Learning Objectives: a. define freedom; b. cite examples of human freedom through recitation; and c. discuss what is human freedom according to philosophical views. Absolute power reveals the true nature of a person 1.Summarize the story of the ring of gyges. 2. Would you use the ring to satis...

Learning Objectives: a. define freedom; b. cite examples of human freedom through recitation; and c. discuss what is human freedom according to philosophical views. Absolute power reveals the true nature of a person 1.Summarize the story of the ring of gyges. 2. Would you use the ring to satisfy your every desire, to punish your enemies, or to steal properties? 3. What will happen if everyone can do whatever they want to do?  When we think of the word “freedom”, our mind stimulates a lot of ideas and memories at the same time. When we speak about freedom, we always incorporate it with the notions like; I can say and I am free from do what I No one is abuse, want. limiting me illnesses and to do hurt. something But as philosophers, we ask; “Is this the real meaning of freedom to us? “Are we even truly free?” Freedom - in its simplest sense, is the freedom to make choices in life; and it is also synonymous to liberty and independence. In Theology, it views freedom as a living a life free from sin and living according to God’s will. In Politics, freedom refers to the freedom of the individual from oppression(unjust, treatment,control), compulsion(being forced to do something) or coercion(forcing someone using force or threats. It entails recognition of the rights and civil liberties of individual. For philosophers, they relate human freedom to concept of human agency, which refers to the capacity of a person to choose their own actions and decisions. The exercise of free will should be based on sound judgement and rational thinking.  Negative Freedom - refers to the absence of interference (something that is intentionally imposed to a person) - “ I am negatively free to the degree to which no human being interferes with my activity. Positive Freedom - Freedom to do something rather than freedom from interference. - To be positively free is to be one’s own master of himself, acting rationally and choosing responsibly in line with one’s interests. FREEDOM OF HUMAN PERSON IS MANIFESTED IN VARIOUS WAYS; Physical Freedom -It refers to the absence of any physical restraint. -The person has the freedom of mobility to go where he or she wants to go. He or she is not impeded in his or her actions by any physical force. -A bird being freed from a cage after being trapped for ages. - A person free to go to anywhere he wants like in malls, restaurants or school. - Being found on a remote island after being isolated there for weeks or months. Psychological Freedom -This is also called freedom of choice. -The person is free to perform actions that he or she considers right and wise. -A person is also free to act or not to act. Free to love and to make your own choice like choosing your own companion or your career path.  Moral Freedom It refers to using freedom in a manner that upholds human dignity and goodness. The capacity of a human being not to do what he wants, but to do what is morally correct. Examples: A person choosing to live his or her life bound by an adherence to virtues such as honesty, loyalty, forgiveness and self- discipline. The act of committing a crime or not. A fire fighter is in a fire and there are people in danger, the morally correct decision is that he will save them.  Philosophical Views on Human Freedom DETERMINISM - The future has already been pre-determined (the future is predictable and explained) -it asserts that human beings live in an ordered universe and all phenomena occur with seemingly lawlike regularity. Every event in the world is brought about by underlying cause or factors. - Determinism views human choices and decisions as determined and conditioned by something other than free will. Someone with this kind of views believes that human beings do not have free will, all their actions and decisions are already predetermined. Example: An example of free will being exercised in deterministic scenario is how people deal with things that are outside of their control. A young person may struggle with his or her family’s decision to move to a different place but he or she can make a choice either to adjust to the situation or to resist change. A person diagnosed with terminal illness and cannot do anything to reverse his or her situation, but he or she can choose to live out his or her remaining moments in dignified and calm.  Freedom is something that is exercised through our choices. When a person exercise his/her freedom, she becomes real. EXISTENTIALISM -believed that man has a free will and he is responsible for his choices and actions. The core of philosophy is anchored on the question of human existence. It holds that a person was thrown into nothingness and for him/her to counter such state, he/she must embrace his/her existence. One who truly exist is one who owns up his/her existence. The moment he/she does, he/she takes responsibility and steers the direction of his/her own life. The main tenet of existentialism is that we are the authors of our lives. In every story with its own plot twists, it is the author who creates those turning points. If we take responsibility over our lives, then we can say that those plot twists are not the product of destiny, but of our own choices. Remember that whatever you do, there is always a result may it be negative or positive. So, before we do something, we need to think carefully. REMEMBER: ALL ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES:  Therefore, in all beings alive, only the human person can evaluate his/her own actions and the corresponding consequences that may occur.  Few things you need to remember: 1. Your choice defines your worth. - If you choose to be good, then your life is worth living. 2. Do not ignore small details in your life - There are times that you tend to ignore instances that may develop your moral standards - Example, exercising your freedom towards your social responsibilities such as exercising your freedom towards religion, freedom to love, freedom to have friends etc. 3. Do not suppress your freedom. - You always have a choice. Sometimes you neglect your existence through non-existent act, that’s why you tend to not decide about things on your own. 4. Lastly, you are RESPONSIBLE to your actions and ACCOUNTABLE to your CHOICES. - You create your own life story. Your choices, your actions, and your decisions are yours alone. It is up to you if you want to live an authentic life.  “ To be free is not merely to cost off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others” - Nelson Mandela “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistake” - Mahatma Gandhi