CC-1-Philo-freedom-of-the-human-person.pptx

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1. Freedom of the Human Person Lesson 5 Introduction to the philosophy of the human person

2. Freedom - An intrinsic and essential property of the person. - We always seek freedom - Rooted in self-determination - the Exercise of Free Will and Intellect - “Freedom is the ability to make choices without undue restrictions.”

3. Voluntariness Voluntariness – refers to the ability of a person to act out of his or her own free will and self determination. Responsibility – refers to the person being accountable for his or her actions and their consequences. Freedom is experienced through the act of making choices.

4. On Freedom: Freedom should be exercise with control and a recognition of reasonable limits, which requires us to sacrifice certain self-interests and accept the certain realities that are beyond our control. Freedom of others should also be upheld.

5. A. Types of Freedom Freedom is a multi-dimensional concept. 1. Physical Freedom: The absence of physical restraints. For example, freedom from imprisonment or physical oppression. Ask students to think about examples, such as individuals living in oppressive regimes or being held captive.

6. WHAT IS PHYSICAL FREEDOM Physical freedom refers to the absence of external physical restraints, meaning a person is free to move and act according to their own will without being physically constrained by others Importance of Physical Freedom: Human Dignity : Physical freedom is essential to human dignity as it ensures that individuals are not treated as mere objects or property. Basic Human Right : Physical freedom is often recognized as a fundamental human right, protected in many constitutions and international laws (e.g., the Universal Declaration of Human Rights).

7. 2. Psychological freedom refers to the internal freedom to think, choose, and determine one's own beliefs, emotions, and actions without being controlled or unduly influenced by external pressures, mental constraints, or personal limitations. It is the freedom of the mind and will, allowing individuals to shape their thoughts, desires, and decisions independently.

8. Key Aspects of Psychological Freedom: Freedom of Thought : The ability to form and hold your own opinions, beliefs, and ideas without being mentally manipulated or coerced by others. Example : A person can believe or think differently from their family or society, such as holding political or religious beliefs that may not align with the mainstream. Autonomy of Will : The capacity to make personal choices and decisions based on one's own reasoning and values rather than being driven by fear, social pressure, or manipulation. Example : Choosing a career path based on personal interest and passion, rather than simply following societal expectations or family pressure.

9. 3. Emotional Freedom : Being free from overwhelming negative emotions, such as fear, guilt, or anxiety, that can paralyze decision-making or distort reality. Example : Overcoming fear of judgment or failure, which allows a person to pursue their goals and desires without undue emotional restraint. Self-determination : The ability to guide your own life, set your goals, and pursue your purpose without being dictated by others or personal insecurities. Example : Taking responsibility for one's life choices rather than feeling that external circumstances or other people are in control of one's destiny.

10. 4. Moral Freedom: The ability to make choices based on ethical reasoning, considering right and wrong. Ask: “Can a person be truly free if they disregard the moral consequences of their actions?” Key Aspects of Moral Freedom: Freedom to Choose Right from Wrong : Moral freedom involves the ability to discern ethical choices and act on them. Example : Choosing to be honest, even when lying might be easier or more beneficial in the short term.

11. Key Aspects of Moral Freedom: Freedom to Choose Right from Wrong : Moral freedom involves the ability to discern ethical choices and act on them. Example : Choosing to be honest, even when lying might be easier or more beneficial in the short term.

12. Responsibility for Actions : With moral freedom comes the responsibility to accept the consequences of one’s actions. Example : If a person chooses to steal, they must accept responsibility for their actions, regardless of external pressures. Acting According to One’s Conscience : Moral freedom involves following one’s conscience, which is an inner guide to what is right and wrong. This means making ethical decisions even when they go against personal interests or external expectations. Example : Standing up for a friend who is being unfairly treated, even if it’s unpopular or comes at a personal cost.

13. Autonomy in Ethical Decision-Making : Moral freedom allows a person to think independently about ethical issues, rather than blindly following rules or societal norms. It empowers individuals to act according to principles they believe are just and fair. Example : Refusing to participate in a harmful or unethical practice at work, even if it’s widely accepted by others.

14. 5. Political Freedom: The rights and liberties afforded by society, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. Discuss civil rights movements and political struggles where such freedoms were restricted.

15. Political freedom refers to the rights and liberties that allow individuals to participate in the political life of their society without oppression or interference. It includes the ability to express opinions, vote, run for public office, engage in political activism, and access information freely. Key Aspects of Political Freedom: Freedom of Speech and Expression : The right to express one’s opinions, criticize the government, and advocate for change without fear of censorship or punishment. Example : People being free to voice their support or opposition to political policies through protests, publications, or social media.

16. Freedom of Assembly and Association : The right to gather in groups, form political parties, join organizations, and participate in peaceful protests or demonstrations. Example : Workers forming unions to demand better labor conditions or citizens organizing protests to demand fair elections. Freedom to Vote and Participate in Democratic Processes : The right to participate in free and fair elections, either by voting for representatives or running for office. Example : Citizens voting for their preferred candidate in elections without fear of intimidation or fraud.

17. Freedom of the Press and Access to Information : The ability of the media to report news and hold government officials accountable without fear of persecution, and the right of citizens to access information about government activities. Example : Journalists freely investigating and publishing stories on government corruption or inefficiency. Freedom from Oppression or Arbitrary Rule : Political freedom protects individuals from being subjected to authoritarian regimes, unjust laws, or political persecution. Example : Citizens not being imprisoned or punished simply for opposing or criticizing the government.

18. B. The Relationship between Freedom and Responsibility It’s crucial for students to understand that freedom comes with responsibility. This section emphasizes that one cannot simply act without considering the consequences of their actions. True freedom is not absolute—being free to do anything at all can lead to chaos or harm. Key Point: Responsibility is the balance that ensures our freedom doesn’t infringe on the freedom of others. For instance, the freedom of speech carries the responsibility not to spread harm or misinformation.

19. C. Freedom and Human Dignity Link Freedom with Dignity: Explain that respecting others' freedom is respecting their inherent dignity. When one imposes on someone else’s freedom, they are often degrading that person's value. Use examples of violations of human dignity (e.g., slavery, discrimination) to illustrate this point.

20. Key Individuals: Aristotle St. Thomas Aquinas Jean Paul Sartre Thomas Hobbes Jean-Jacques Rousseau

21. Aristotle: Power of Volition Reason can legislate, but only through will can its legislation be translated into actions. The task of practical intellect is to guide the Will. If there would be no intellect, there would be no will. Moral acts are in our power and responsibility. Character or habit is no excuse for immoral conduct. HUMAN BEING IS RATIONAL. REASON IS A DIVINE CHARACTERISTIC. HUMANS HAVE THE SPARK OF THE DIVINE.

22. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS: LOVE IS FREEDOM Human beings are moral agent. Hence, our spirituality separates us from animals. Human Beings have the power to change themselves and the things around them. Change should promote the good of the community. Human beings have laws that should be obeyed voluntarily and with understanding. Perfect happiness could only be found in God alone. Love rather than Law, transforms humanity. For love is in consonance with humanity’s free nature Law commands, Love calls. Therefore, Love should govern humanity’s life.

23. JEAN PAUL SARTRE: INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM There are no guidepost along the road of life. The human person builds the road to the destiny of his choosing. EXISTENCE PRECEDES ESSENCE Freedom is the very core and the door to authentic existence The person is what one has done and is doing To be human, to be conscious, is to be free to imagine, free to choose and be responsible for one’s life.

24. THOMAS HOBBES: THEORY OF SOCIAL CONTRACT LAW OF NATURE ( lex naturalis ) - general rule that states that a person is forbidden to do which is destructive of his life or takes away the means of preserving the same. “ The fundamental law of nature seeks peace and follows it, while at the same time, by the sum of natural right, we should defend ourselves by all means that we can” 1. We should seek peace 2. Divest ourselves to certain rights to achieve peace

25. THOMAS HOBBES: THEORY OF SOCIAL CONTRACT That a person be willing, when others so too, to lay down this right to all things ; and be contented with so much liberty against other people, as he would allow other people against himself.

26. THOMAS HOBBES: THEORY OF SOCIAL CONTRACT The mutual transferring of this right is called contract and is the basis of the notion of moral obligation and duty. If one agrees to give up his right to punch you, you give up your right to punch him. You are both obliged not to hurt each other. However, one cannot contract to give up his right to self-defense or self-preservation since it is the sole motive for entering any contract

27. THOMAS HOBBES: THEORY OF SOCIAL CONTRACT The fundamental law of nature seeks peace and follows it, while at the same time, by the sum of natural right, we should defend ourselves by all means that we can However, one cannot contract to give up his right to self-defense or self-preservation since it is the sole motive for entering any contract

28. THOMAS HOBBES: THEORY OF SOCIAL CONTRACT 3. Human beings perform their covenant made. This is the foundation of justice. There should be a common power backed by force and able to punish. This means that the plurality of individuals should confer all their power and strength upon one human being or assembly of human beings, which may reduce all their wills, by plurality of voices, unto one will.

29. JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU - Social Contract Theory, but more on individualism Both of them believe that we have to form a community to protect ourselves from one another because we tend to wage war and since we also tend to self-preserve, so they have to come to a free mutual agreement to protect themselves.

30. hobbes To end the continuous and self-destructive condition of warfare, humanity founded the state with its sovereign power of control by means of a mutual consent. rousseaue Humans are born free and good. We became bad due to evil influence. Hence, humans have lost its original goodness. To restore peace, form a state through social contract whereby grants his individual rights to the general will. SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY