Unit 2: Human Freedom Flashcards
what type of determinism is the “all-knowing” characteristic of God contradicts the idea of human free will
theological determinism
how can we exercise freedom?
1) questioning
2) distancing oneself
3) valuing
what type of determinism claims that something is wrong with society, which causes bad behavior
social determinism
school of thought that claims that there is absolutely no freedom, because we are tied down by historicity: our past & the choices that we made in the past
total determinism
why is freedom important?
We need to be free, in order to be responsible for our actions; our practices of praise & blame presuppose that we are free.
what type of determinism is the belief that actions are predetermined based on one’s most urgent need
psychological determinism
being able to do what you want
being free to act & choose as you will
surface freedom
- Reinforcement can mold one’s behavior
- Structures influence one’s choice
- Choices are not unlimited
total determinism
limitations of historicity
- I can question my own environmental structures. I can revolt.
- I can achieve distance from the external demands & forces. I can hesitate, reflect & challenge.
important notes on freewill
- there is freedom bc there is the feeling of freedom
- the object of the will is good
- however, only unconditional good can stop the freedom of the will
- absolute freedom due to ignorance nullifies the freedom of choice
not an example is following superstition
self-possession
In absolute freedom, for Jean-Paul Sartre, man is (4)
structureless
for itself
transparent
continuously projecting itself
for sartre, freedom is a
punishment
Freedom within one’s humanity and historicity
- structures are offerings of the world; I may or may not take them
- i can question myself - as a knower, lover, due to my values and structures
- through structures, i can create structures to share to the world: my life project
