Freedom Flashcards
What is the definition of freedom
The capacity of every human being to move themselves towards that which they know to be good, because they want to !
What is freedom rooted in ?
Human freedom is rooted in our capacity to know the truth(intellect) and capacity to love what is good (will).
What is the meaning of freedom
The human person is the source/principle of his operations.
What is self- realization
The task to perfect actions that are specific to human.
What do we need to experience freedom ?
- The absence of coercion
- There is no intrinsic principle that forces us to act in one way or another.
- Responsibility for our actions.
- Indecision there are many possibilities before us and when none is convincing we experience doubt and the fact that we only get out of such a situation by using our will to decide.
What are the dimensions of freedom ?
- Fundamental/ transcendental freedom
- Psychological freedom.
- Moral freedom
- Social/ political freedom.
What is natural / innate freedom
- Transcendental freedom
2. Psychological freedom
Why does natural freedom exist
All men possess them for the simple reason that they are human beings.
What is acquired freedom ?
- Moral freedom
2. Social/political freedom.
Explain acquired freedom
This is freedom that is gained with self determination.
What is fundamental / transcendental freedom ?
A person is born with it but he needs to develop it.
Is not a property of the human acts but rather, it is a property of the whole person.
What is the use of transcendental freedom ?
We can use transcendental freedom to carry out good free acts that help us actualize ourselves as persons.
NB From transcendental freedom springs human dignity
It is founded on the fact that man is infinite in a way. He can know all things and love all things.
NB Transcendental freedom is the foundation for human rights.
Such as freedom of expression, religious freedom, freedom to live according to ones convictions.
Why is our freedom limited ?
- We do not choose our historical or cultural situation.
- We do not have control of our origin, nor our end.
- We can choose many ends, but the final end is a given: happiness.
- The human being cannot stop being free, it is part of our nature.
What is psychological freedom (free will)
It is the capacity to commit oneself.
What else can free will be seen as
The manifestation of the strong bond between love and freedom.
What is a different definition of free will
It is the capacity to create the ties one wants.
What is one characteristic of freedom
Freedom is like money, is only useful ‘for use’ not to be showcased.
What risk does using freedom introduce ?
The possibility of failure
What is moral freedom
Moral freedom consists in the realization of fundamental freedom through time and according to a chosen life-project
What can moral freedom be seen as
It can be seen as strengthening of the human capacity for virtue.
Who is a moral person ?
He who acts well with ease.
He who is not swayed by his passions from the good perceived by the intellect.
What is a definition of moral freedom
This is the capacity to seek difficult goods
What does virtue do to moral freedom ?
Virtue increases freedom because it gives me the capacity to do more things. While vice weakens the capacity for good and thus diminishes freedom.
What are the two dimensions of moral freedom
- It helps us to dominate our passions
2. To work for the common good.
What is social / political freedom
Consists in the possibility, in society, to carry out life projects at the personal as well as the institutional level.
What is liberation ?
This is the process through which the individuals of a society attain freedom by getting rid of the obstacles that stand in the way.
How is social freedom guaranteed
By participating in public decisions.
What do despotic authorities do to ones freedom
They reduce ones personal freedom and treats citizens as mere instruments.
What is authoritarianism ?
It means the state becomes the guardian of freedoms in order to prevent citizens from making bad use of their personal freedom.
What is the result of an authoritative state?
People with little initiative and personal responsibility.
