PHILO PDF - Hobbes, Locke, and Freedom

PHILO Hobbes’ Social Contract Theory State of Nature: - Hobbes viewed the state of nature as one where human life was "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." In this state, individuals had natural freedom but lived in fear and constant danger. Social Contract: - According to Hobbes, people...

PHILO Hobbes’ Social Contract Theory State of Nature: - Hobbes viewed the state of nature as one where human life was "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." In this state, individuals had natural freedom but lived in fear and constant danger. Social Contract: - According to Hobbes, people relinquish some of their natural freedoms to form a social contract and establish a commonwealth or government to secure their safety and protect their lives. --- John Locke’s Natural Rights Locke believed in the natural rights of life, liberty, and property. He considered freedom to be the ability of individuals to exercise their rights and make decisions within the bounds of these rights. --- Freedom According to Philosophers Aristotle: - Aristotle considered freedom in the context of political philosophy. He believed that humans were "political animals" and that living in a well-ordered and virtuous society provided the conditions for genuine freedom. Jean-Paul Sartre: - Sartre’s existentialist philosophy emphasizes radical freedom. He argued that humans are "condemned to be free," meaning that they are responsible for creating their own values and meaning in life. --- Kinds of Freedom 1. Physical Freedom: - Refers to the absence of any PHYSICAL RESTRAINT. The person has the freedom of mobility to go where he/ she wants to go. 2. Psychological Freedom: - Also called “freedom of choice”. - The person is free to perform actions that he/ she considers right and wise. A person is also free to act or not to act. 3. Moral Freedom: - Using one’s freedom in a way that upholds dignity and promotes good, like doing charitable works and being sensitive to others’ needs. 4. Positive Freedom: - This involves active control over one’s life and the strength to do good, requiring personal effort and responsibility. This is doing the right thing and exercising our freedom in a responsible manner. 5. Negative Freedom: - The absence of interference or coercion, often leading to irresponsible use of freedom. It’s considered negative because you failed to use freedom in a responsible manner. 6. Absolute Freedom: - no form of hindrance that would prevent from doing what you want. --- Human Acts vs. Acts of Man Human Acts: They are done freely, deliberately, and voluntarily (e.g., studying, working). Acts of Man: Involuntary or unconscious actions (e.g., breathing, digestion) --- Intellectual Choice vs. Practical Choice Intellectual Choice - Intellectual choice involves decisions grounded in critical thinking, analysis, and theoretical considerations. These choices often prioritize values, beliefs, and long-term implications over immediate practicality. Practical Choice - Practical choice refers to decisions made based on immediate needs, practicality, or tangible outcomes. These choices are often driven by factors such as convenience, efficiency, or necessity. --- Intersubjectivity - Intersubjectivity is the shared understanding and mutual recognition that occur between individuals during interactions. It focuses on how people connect and empathize with each other’s thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Karol Wojtyla: - For Wojtyla, human action is the foundation of our being. - But human reality is also about being with others, so our actions are also directed towards others. - This form of action is now called “P a r t i c i p a t i o n.” Martin Buber: - Introduced the concept of I-Thou relationships, where individuals engage with others as subjects, recognizing and respecting their humanity. In contrast, I-It relationships reduce people to objects. Confucius: - One of the main ideas of Confucianism is Ren or “human-heartedness”. - It is a virtue central to man that can be found in his sociality or intersubjectivity. In his philosophy, Confucius stresses order and harmony in the world Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) - "PWD" typically stands for Persons with Disabilities. Disabilities can be diverse, and individuals may face various challenges in different aspects of their lives. 1. Physical Disabilities: - Conditions that affect mobility or physical functioning, such as paralysis, limb loss, or muscular dystrophy. 2. Sensory Disabilities: - Impairments related to the senses, including: Visual Impairment: Blindness or low vision. Hearing Impairment: Deafness or hearing loss. 3. Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: - Conditions impacting cognitive abilities, such as Down syndrome or autism. 4. Mental Health Disabilities: - Conditions affecting mental health and emotional well-being, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. 5. Neurological Disabilities: - Disorders affecting the nervous system, like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. 6. Communication Disabilities: - Challenges in speech or language, such as stuttering. 7. Hidden Disabilities: - Conditions that are not immediately visible or apparent, such as chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, or certain mental health disorders. 8. Learning Disabilities: - Conditions that affect the acquisition of skills related to reading, writing, or mathematics, such as dyslexia or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 9. Mobility Disabilities: - Conditions affecting an individual's ability to move freely, such as arthritis, paralysis, or spinal cord injuries. 10. Chronic Health Conditions: - Long-term health conditions that may impact daily life, such as diabetes, heart conditions, or autoimmune disorders. Dimensions of Poverty - Poverty is a multi-faceted and complex phenomenon with various dimensions that extend beyond the simple lack of financial resources. 1. Income Poverty: - Lack of income or financial resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare. It is often measured by income levels relative to a defined poverty line. 2. Material Deprivation: - Inability to afford essential goods and services, leading to a lack of access to proper nutrition, housing, education, and healthcare. 3. Education Poverty: - Limited access to quality education, including inadequate school facilities, resources, and a lack of educational opportunities. It results in low literacy levels and a lack of educational opportunities. 4. Health Poverty: - Lack of access to healthcare services, leading to poor health outcomes and a higher susceptibility to diseases. 5. Social Exclusion: - Marginalization from participating in social, economic, and political activities. This results in limited social networks and decision-making power. 6. Political Powerlessness: - Limited political representation and participation, resulting in the inability to influence policies that affect one's well-being. 7. Cultural Poverty: - Deprivation of cultural resources and opportunities, limiting the ability to engage in cultural activities and experiences. Views on Women: Rousseau vs. Mary Wollstonecraft Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau believed that women should be educated to please men. She viewed women’s primary role in society as nurturing men and contributing to the moral development of the family. Mary Wollstonecraft: Believes that women must be united to men in wisdom and rationality. Wollstonecraft strongly advocated for equal educational opportunities for women. She argued that women should receive education comparable to that of men to enable them to participate as rational and virtuous individuals in society. Notion of Death - The notion of death refers to the philosophical and existential understanding of death as a natural and inevitable aspect of human life. It signifies the end of biological existence and raises questions about the meaning of life, the purpose of existence, and the legacy one leaves behind. Human Mortality: - Death as an inevitable aspect of life, defining the human condition. Existential Perspectives: - Philosophers like Martin Heidegger view death as a central concern, shaping our understanding of existence and authenticity. Ethical Implications: - Death raises questions about the meaning of life, legacy, and the moral responsibilities we hold toward ourselves and others.