Summary Tradisional | Freedom and Subjectivity

Contextualization

Freedom and subjectivity are key ideas in philosophy that have been debated from ancient times to now. Freedom is generally seen as the ability to make choices free from outside pressure, enabling people to make decisions aligned with their own values. However, how people understand freedom can differ greatly across various cultures and societies, which in turn affects how these concepts are applied in daily life. Notable philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Immanuel Kant have made important contributions to our understanding of these themes, each offering unique insights on the nature of freedom and its ties to morality and ethics. Sartre, a pivotal figure in existentialism, argues that we are 'condemned to be free,' indicating that the power of choice is a necessary aspect of human existence, along with complete responsibility for our actions. In contrast, Kant links freedom to morality, asserting that genuine freedom consists of acting in accordance with reason and universal moral principles. These philosophical discussions shed light on how we evaluate free choices morally and the ways ethical principles direct individual decisions, giving us a robust basis to explore everyday situations from various perspectives.

To Remember!

Concept of Freedom

In philosophy, freedom is chiefly understood as the capacity to make choices without external coercion. This idea has been explored from ancient philosophers like Aristotle and Augustine to contemporary thinkers. Freedom lies at the heart of existentialism, especially in Sartre’s work, who argues that it is an unavoidable part of being human. Sartre’s view that we are 'condemned to be free' implies that we bear full responsibility for our choices and actions. On the flip side, Kant offers a different angle, connecting freedom to morality. He posits that true freedom involves acting according to rational and universal moral principles called categorical imperatives. This suggests that true freedom exists when choices can be applied universally without contradiction. Consequently, freedom isn't merely about the absence of coercion; it's also about the ability to act by rational principles. The perception of freedom can differ in various cultural and historical contexts. For instance, while many Western societies place a high value on individual freedom, other cultures may prioritise community harmony and shared responsibility. These diverse understanding of freedom impact how moral and ethical norms are defined and interpreted in different societies.

• Freedom as the ability to make decisions without external pressure.

• Sartre: we are 'condemned to be free.'

• Kant: freedom is linked to morality and universal imperatives.

• Cultural and historical differences in the understanding of freedom.

Subjectivity of Freedom

The subjectivity of freedom refers to the different ways individuals perceive and experience their freedom. Sartre particularly emphasised this aspect, asserting that everyone has their own perspective on what it means to be free. For him, freedom is integral to human existence, but how one grapples with this freedom is deeply personal. Kant, while also acknowledging the subjective nature of freedom, frames it differently. He believes that true freedom is about acting in line with reason and universal moral guidelines, yet recognises that individuals can interpret and apply these principles in their own ways, leading to varying perceptions of freedom. Thus, subjectivity connects to a person’s ability to reason and make ethical decisions. Additionally, cultural and social influences play a role in shaping how individuals perceive and experience freedom. In some cultures, freedom might be viewed as the ability to act for the common good, while in others it may focus more on personal autonomy.

• The perception of freedom differs among individuals.

• Sartre: freedom is an intrinsic and subjective part of human existence.

• Kant: subjectivity arises in the application of universal moral principles.

• Cultural and social factors greatly influence perceptions of freedom.

Freedom and Morality

The connection between freedom and morality is a central issue in philosophy. Kant notably explored this relationship, claiming that true freedom involves acting according to reason and universally accepted moral principles. He argues that an action is considered morally right if it could be universalised, meaning everyone could act in that way without contradictions. This suggests that the freedom to choose must adhere to moral guidelines, hence limiting the freedom to act immorally. Sartre, conversely, acknowledges the inescapable nature of freedom in our lives but points out the moral responsibility that comes with it. According to Sartre, we must accept responsibility for our choices and actions, which forms a crucial aspect of morality. Thus, freedom is not only about making choices but also about taking responsibility for the outcomes. Morality can vary widely among different cultures and societies, affecting how freedom is viewed and acted upon. Some cultures may have stricter moral codes based on religious or social customs, while others may adopt a more flexible approach grounded in rational or ethical principles. These differing moral approaches impact the interpretation and practice of freedom.

• Kant: true freedom involves acting according to universal moral principles.

• Sartre: freedom includes moral responsibility.

• Cultural and social variations in morality affect perceptions of freedom.

• Moral principles need to guide freedom of choice.

Freedom and Ethics

Ethics, which studies the principles that direct human behaviour, is closely linked to the theme of freedom in philosophy. The ability to make free choices is intertwined with ethical principles that inform how individuals decide and act. Kant contends that ethics is based on reason and that authentic freedom comes from acting in line with rational and universal principles known as categorical imperatives. These ethical frameworks guide individuals to make decisions that are morally sound. Sartre takes a different stance, viewing ethics as subjective and personal. For him, freedom is an inherent human condition, compelling each individual to develop their own values and ethical standards. This perspective implies that ethics are deeply personal, shaped by one’s freedom to choose and accept the consequences of those choices. The interplay between freedom and ethics also reflects cultural and social contexts. Different societies promote varying ethical norms that influence how freedom is discerned and acted upon. In some cultures, ethics may place more value on collective responsibility, while in others, individual autonomy is emphasised. These diverse ethical contexts play a significant role in understanding and practising freedom.

• Ethics informs human behaviour and is connected to freedom of choice.

• Kant: ethics is grounded in reason and universal principles (categorical imperatives).

• Sartre: ethics is personal and subjective, rooted in individual freedom.

• Cultural norms and values heavily influence the understanding of freedom and ethics.

Key Terms

• Freedom: The ability to make choices free from external pressure.

• Subjectivity: Individual and personal perception of concepts like freedom.

• Morality: Principles and standards that dictate right from wrong.

• Ethics: The study of principles guiding human behaviour.

• Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialist philosopher known for the idea of being 'condemned to be free.'

• Immanuel Kant: Enlightenment philosopher linking freedom to morality and categorical imperatives.

• Categorical Imperatives: Universal moral principles formulated by Kant.

• Responsibility: The duty to account for our decisions and actions.

Important Conclusions

In this lesson, we delved into the concepts of freedom and subjectivity in philosophy, focusing on the views of Jean-Paul Sartre and Immanuel Kant. Sartre underscores that freedom is a fundamental aspect of human existence and that we bear the responsibility for our choices. Meanwhile, Kant highlights the link between freedom and the ability to act according to universal moral principles known as categorical imperatives. We also examined how perceptions of freedom can differ between individuals and cultures. According to Sartre, the subjectivity of freedom is an essential characteristic of human life, whereas Kant sees subjectivity in how moral principles are applied. Furthermore, we explored how various societies adopt moral and ethical norms, shaping the understanding and exercise of freedom. The interplay between freedom, morality, and ethics was another central theme in our discussion. By analysing how freedom of choice is guided by ethical and moral principles, we begin to comprehend the diverse cultural norms influencing our understanding of freedom.

Study Tips

• Review the texts and examples discussed in class, noting the different views of Sartre and Kant on freedom.

• Take notes and summarise readings on freedom and subjectivity, highlighting key philosophical differences.

• Engage in discussions with colleagues or write reflections on how freedom is perceived across different cultures, applying the concepts learned.