PHI1090 Freedom essay Flashcards
names of philosyers:
Immanuel Kant, Jean-Paul Sartre, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and David Hume.
Determinism:
Determinism is the idea that every action has a cause, meaning that our choices are simply the result of prior events, such as our genetic makeup or the environment in which we were raised. For example, someone might grow up in a household that values education, shaping their decision to pursue academic success.
This perspective suggests that our sense of freedom is an illusion, as our decisions are merely the natural outcome of forces beyond our control.
denfece
this view oversimplifies human behavior. While our genes and environment influence our tendencies and opportunities,
Immanuel kant:
Immanuel Kant argued that true freedom lies in our ability to act based on reason and moral principles, not merely on external causes. This means that even if our environment shapes our preferences, we can still reflect on those influences and choose actions that align with our values.
Freedom and Responsibility:
True freedom is closely tied to responsibility. If we were entirely controlled by genes and environment, we could not be held accountable for our actions. This is why freedom must involve the ability to choose between different options.
Jean-Paul Sartre:
Jean-Paul Sartre famously argued that we are “condemned to be free,” meaning that even though our circumstances shape us, we are ultimately responsible for our choices
freedom is about how we respond to the situations we face, whether they are shaped by genetics, environment, or chance.
Sartre’s view reminds us that even when our circumstances are challenging, we can exercise freedom by taking responsibility for our actions.
Freedom in Society:
Our freedom is also connected to the society we live in.
freedom involves more than just personal choices—it is also about being part of a supportive community. For instance, someone might feel influenced by selfish urges but decide to act generously because they value the well-being of others.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau:
argued that true freedom comes from living in harmony with the “general will,” or the shared values and interests of a fair society.
we are not entirely free when we act selfishly or impulsively; we are free when we choose actions that benefit both ourselves and others.
David Hume:
believed that freedom does not require the absence of causation but rather the ability to act according to one’s desires and character. In this view, as long as we are not forced or coerced by external pressures, we are free, even if our choices are influenced by genetics and environment.
thisshows that freedom is not about escaping influences but about acting in ways that reflect who we are and what we value. This view provides a balanced understanding of how we can be both influenced by external factors and free to make meaningful choices.
Freedom:
is not about being free from all influences but about using reason and reflection to navigate those influences. Kant, Sartre, Rousseau, and Hume each offer valuable insights into how freedom can exist alongside the factors that shape us.
Ultimately:
humans are not passive products of their genes and environment; we are active agents capable of shaping our own lives.
