Lesson 1 - Freedom (Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person) PDF

LESSON 1 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON  At the end of the module, you should be able to: DISCERN THE ESSENCE OF TRUE FREEDOM EVALUATE THE EXERCISE OF PRUDENCE IN CHOICES REALIZE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES, AND SOME THINGS ARE GIVEN UP WHILE...

LESSON 1 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON  At the end of the module, you should be able to: DISCERN THE ESSENCE OF TRUE FREEDOM EVALUATE THE EXERCISE OF PRUDENCE IN CHOICES REALIZE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES, AND SOME THINGS ARE GIVEN UP WHILE OTHERS ARE OBTAINED IN MAKING CHOICES SHOW SITUATIONS THAT DEMONSTRATE FREEDOM OF CHOICE AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF CHOICES. Imagine you won a big contest, and you were asked to choose just one of the following prizes: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT! Which prize will you choose? What factors made you come up with that decision? WHAT IS FREEDOM? The power or right to act, speak, or think as you want without hindrance or restraint is called FREEDOM. The ability to exercise one’s freedom is called FREEDOM OF CHOICE. FREEDOM It is an intrinsic and essential property of the person This means that the human person by nature is a free being and that it is in his or her nature to seek freedom. FREEDOM Freedom is also understood as the power to be what you want to be and the ability to decide and create something for yourself As humans, we have some things that we don’t want, and yet we have. I want you to be a DOCTOR. So, study hard. FREEDOM Freedom also requires a degree of control from the person who exercises it. A person becomes more free when he or she exercises control over himself or herself. LESS FREE People who behave impulsively and erratically are more similar to animals than persons. To lose control of oneself diminishes human freedom and dehumanizes the person. Persons who are denied their freedom by other individuals, groups, and institutions are also dehumanized. A person who is imprisoned is also dehumanized because he or she is denied his or her freedom and is confused to prison life THREE TYPES OF FREEDOM PHYSICAL FREEDOM PSYCHOLOGICAL FREEDOM MORAL FREEDOM  PHYSICAL FREEDOM refers to the absence of any restraint. This means that a person has the freedom to go anywhere he or she wanted to do.  PSYCHOLOGICAL FREEDOM It is also called freedom of choice. This means that a person has the will power whether to act or not to act on what he or she considers to be right and wise. STABLE JOB NEW OPPORTUNITY NOT RISKS FULFILLING  MORAL FREEDOM refers to using freedom in a manner that upholds human dignity and goodness. Freedom is not an object that a person may use in whatever way he or she pleases. CHOOSING NOT TO COMMIT A CRIME  STANDING UP AGAINST INJUSTICE PRACTICING HONESTY RESPECTING OTHERS RIGHTS WHAT MAKES US FREE? TWO ELEMENTS THAT DEFINE FREEDOM VOLUNTARINESS RESPONSIBILITY VOLUNTARINESS refers to the ability of a person to act out of his or her own free will and self- determination. This means that a person may decide to act or not to act, and these decisions are made out of his or her own free will. VOLUNTEERING FOR A CAUSE CHOOSING CAREER PATH DONATING TO CHARITY PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY EVENT RESPONSIBILITY refers to the person being accountable for his or her actions and their consequences. This means that in everything that we do, there are consequences. FREEDOM OF THE PRESS FREEDOM TO TRAVEL FREEDOM TO OWN A PROPERTY Voluntariness and responsibility go hand-in-hand in determining a person’s freedom. In any situation where a person is forced to do an action against his or her free will, it follows that he or she cannot be held responsible for his or her involuntary actions. How can we exercise our freedom in a responsible and beneficial manner? HUMAN FREEDOM SHOULD BE EXERCISED WITH CONTROL AND A RECOGNITION OF REASONABLE LIMITS. We set limits to our own freedom and learn to moderate or control our thoughts, emotions, and actions depending on the situation. A person can even choose to limit his or her own freedom or even surrender it entirely if it will result in greater benefits. FREEDOM SHOULD ALSO BE EXERCISED WITH REGARD FOR KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH. As rational beings, it is natural for us to think before we act. We use our freedom to act and acquire more knowledge, and we use this knowledge in order to come up with decisions and courses of actions when confronted with difficult situations. WE SHOULD ALSO RECOGNIZE AND UPHOLD NOT ONLY OUR PERSONAL FREEDOM, BUT ALSO THE FREEDOM OF OTHERS. Many societies identify certain freedoms that should be enjoyed by all, as these contribute to the quality of life of the individual and the welfare of the society. These include the freedom to live and determine one’s identity; freedom from slavery and other constraints; freedom of speech; and freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. TWO CONCEPTS OF FREEDOM NEGATIVE FREEDOM Freedom from interference or restrictions Freedom from control by others POSITIVE FREEDOM Freedom to control oneself Freedom to be one’s own master Man is positively free only when the higher self is in command EASTER EASTER SUNDAY SUNDAY Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. LUKE 6:37 LUKE 6:37  THE GIFT OF GRACE Where can you extend grace today? For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. EPHESIANS 2:8 THE GIFT OF THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS FORGIVENESS LET US PRAY PASTOR PASTOR RICHARD SANCHEZ RICHARD SANCHEZ