What is freedom?
What is Freedom for philosophy?
Freedom is classified by philosophy as the independence of human beings, the power to have autonomy and spontaneity. Freedom is a utopian concept, since it is questionable whether individuals really have the freedom they claim to have, whether with the media it really exists or not. Source: SoCientífica.
What are the three conceptions of freedom?
- The first philosophical conception of freedom was expounded by Aristotle in his work "Nicomachean Ethics" and, with variants, remains throughout the centuries. Aristotle said that he is free who has in himself the principle to act or not to act, that is, he who is the internal cause of his action or decision not to act. Freedom is conceived as a full and unconditional power of the will to determine itself or to be determined. Thus, in Aristotle's conception, freedom is the principle to choose between possible alternatives, taking place as a decision and a voluntary act.
- The second conception was developed by a school of Philosophy from the Hellenistic period. This is Stoicism, which resurfaced with Spinoza, Hegel and Marx. Unlike Aristotle, this conception places freedom not in the act of choice performed by the individual will, but in the activity of the whole, of which individuals are parts. The Whole can be Nature, Culture or historical-social formation.
- In addition to the Aristotelian conception and the Stoic conception, there is a third one that seeks to unite elements of the two previous ones. It affirms, like the second one, that we are not an unconditional power of choice and it affirms, like the first one, that freedom is an act of decision and choice between several possibilities. It is not about wanting something, it is about doing something. This third conception introduces the notion of objective possibility. The possible is not only something subjectively felt or perceived by us, but it is also and above all something inscribed in the heart of necessity, indicating that the course of a situation can be changed by us, in certain directions and under certain circumstances. Freedom is the ability to perceive such possibilities and the power to carry out those actions that change the course of things, giving them another direction, another meaning.
What does the Bible say about Freedom?
Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" John 8:31-32.
Freedom is one of the attributes or values most appreciated by human beings. To achieve freedom, demonstrations and revolutions have already been made, wars have been fought, and much blood has already been shed.
But true freedom can only be experienced through the shedding of the blood of one person: Jesus. His perfect sacrifice sets everyone free who chooses to believe in Him. No power is capable of resisting the Savior's liberating power.
The Bible says that freedom is the ability to choose not to sin. Anyone who accepts Jesus as their Savior is freed from the dominion of sin. Freedom in Jesus is not a license to do whatever he/she wants without consequences.
The Bible explains that when we sin we become slaves to sin (John 8:34). We know what is right and good but we do what is wrong because our will is controlled by sin. But when we accept Jesus as Savior it frees us from bondage to sin. With the help of Jesus we can say "NO" to sin.
Whoever loves God wants to do what is right, to please Him. We are free from the power of sin, but now we are subject to the will of God. This subjection is still freedom, because we obey out of love, not for lack of choice (Romans 8:14-15) and more complete. The bondage of sin only brings problems and suffering. The freedom of the Bible is the promise of abundant eternal life without suffering (Romans 6:20-23).
What is the value of Freedom?
Freedom secures all the right to choose a profession, work and how to invest their savings and talents, in a free and competitive market, and the right to freely appropriate the fruits of their efforts, which is only possible through the right to property. Without this, man would not have created the technologies, inventions and undertakings that made it possible to significantly raise the standard of living for those nations that adopted the new political and economic standard. Liberal capitalism has proven to be the system that best meets the need to create wealth (useful goods and services).
What are the limits to our Freedom
The limits to freedom will until they do not harm the life of the other. For example: throwing garbage in the street, listening to loud music, lack of limits at home. These are the kinds of things that you are free to do, but it harms other people's lives. Limits to Freedom is also to control your wills. Limits to Freedom is taking responsibility.
Without limits, is it good or bad?
Very bad. As the examples cited above, show that freedom without taking responsibility for your actions is quite harmful.