Chapter 3: Freedom and Rationality PDF

# Chapter 3: Freedom and Rationality ## Overview This chapter discusses the importance of freedom and rationality in ethics. It examines the morality of a human act, defined as voluntary and deliberate, in contrast to an ordinary "act of human." The chapter explains the essence of freedom, arguing...

# Chapter 3: Freedom and Rationality ## Overview This chapter discusses the importance of freedom and rationality in ethics. It examines the morality of a human act, defined as voluntary and deliberate, in contrast to an ordinary "act of human." The chapter explains the essence of freedom, arguing that the knowledge of one's freedom is essential for understanding morality, responsibility, and one's own freedom. ## Objectives By the end of the chapter, you should be able to: 1. Identify and comprehend the basic terminologies in ethics. 2. Define freedom. 3. Explain the significance of freedom to the study of morality. ## Morality of the Human Act The term "morality" is crucial to understanding ethics. The author argues that a proper understanding of morality is essential for a well-founded and useful discourse on ethics: * **Formlessness:** Without a clear understanding of morality, the discourse becomes formless and lacks practical application. * **Weakness:** A discourse without a proper understanding of morality lacks a clear purpose and is weak. * **Insubstantiality:** Without a grasp of morality, the discourse lacks essential elements and is unable to be applied to real-life situations. Therefore, understanding the definition of morality is critical: **Morality refers to the uprightness of a self-imposed act.** It is concerned with what makes an action good or evil. For an act to be moral, it must be a **human act**: * **Human Act:** Done with full awareness, knowledge, and deliberation. It is a fully voluntary and intentional act. * **Act of Man:** Done without conscious deliberation, permission, or intention. It is an involuntary act, such as natural reflexes or actions performed without awareness. ## The Essence of Freedom ### What Does It Mean To Be Free? Generally, freedom means being relieved of all kinds of ascendancy or domination. It represents release from coercion or confinement. Citizens, for example, have the right to demand accountability from their government for its failures. However, true freedom extends beyond simply being free from external constraints: * **Freedom of Expression:** Individuals have the right to express their sentiments without coercion or force. * **Political Independence:** Freedom from external control and manipulation, allowing for independent thought and action. * **Civil Liberty:** The freedom to act spontaneously and perform one's duties as a sovereign person, free from unfavorable conditions. ### Types of Freedom There are different categories of freedom: 1. **"Freedom-of"**: This refers to the freedom to express "self-rule" and defiance from life's burdens and obligations. It involves self-searching and seeking a rational response to life's challenges. * **Example:** A person who chooses to pursue a non-traditional career path despite social expectations. 2. **"Freedom-from"**: This refers to freedom from external oppression, including unjustified, unnecessary, or excessive intervention. It emphasizes freedom from external controls that limit one's options. * **Example:** A person who is free from oppressive religious or political regimes. 3. **"Freedom-to"**: This is also known as "political freedom" and emphasizes the right to engage in specific practices and exercise individual rights, both civil and constitutional. * **Example:** The right to vote, participate in political organizations, and practice one's religion freely. 4. **"Freedom-for"**: This refers to "cooperative freedom," emphasizing a well-thought-out principle that benefits everyone, not just a few individuals. * **Example:** The freedom to advocate for shared objectives, such as social change and environmental protection. ### The Importance of Freedom in Ethics According to Immanuel Kant, freedom is essential for morality. Without freedom, ethical choices are meaningless, as individuals are not truly responsible for their actions. Morality requires the ability to judge and act freely, understanding the consequences of one's choices. ## Freedom: A Precursor to Responsibility ### A Christian Perspective The author outlines a Christian perspective on freedom informed by St. Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas believes that freedom precedes deliberation: * **Intention:** The individual first determines their desired outcome, imagining possible paths to achieve it. * **Deliberation:** The individual considers their options, weighing their potential effects. * **Choice:** The individual makes a final decision and commits themselves to their chosen course of action. This choice is morally consequential, even if the individual ultimately fails to fulfill their commitment. They remain accountable for their initial decision. ### An Existential Perspective The author then explores existentialism, referencing Jean-Paul Sartre's perspective on freedom. Sartre emphasizes the absence of inherent meaning or pre-defined rules for moral conduct in a world without God: * **Existence Precedes Essence:** Individuals are thrown into existence, alone and without a pre-determined purpose. * **Freedom and "Anguish":** Every individual is free to choose their own path, but this freedom is accompanied by a sense of "anguish" resulting from the realization of their own responsibility for their choices. No external rules or guidance can dictate their choices. This perspective suggests that morality is based on our own self-definition and actions, making us entirely responsible for our own choices and their consequences. ## Conclusion Ethics demands accountability. Individuals are expected to understand and fulfill their duties and obligations. They must be aware of their personal responsibility for their actions and their impact on others. Our freedom is a powerful tool, allowing us to make choices that shape our lives and the lives of others.