SH1905

Handout on Freedom

Freedom Defined

Freedom is the ability to do what you want to do. It originated from the Danish term “friheden,” which was
originally meant to mean “dear” or “beloved.” However, as years went by, and as it became used in English, the
meaning evolved to mean “choice.” However, this definition is somewhat incomplete. For freedom, there are a
lot of things to consider.

Freedom has two distinctions: (1) outer and (2) inner freedom. Outer freedom refers to the ability of a human
being to do whatever he wants to do without the intervention of other people or institutions. Inner freedom, on
the other hand, is the ability of a human being to achieve whatever he wants to achieve without the intervention
of societal pressure and other external impediments.

Determinism

The idea of fate is an essential point of discussion in the concept of freedom – because fate assumes there is
no freedom at all. In philosophy, there is a concept that is against freedom, and it is called determinism. It is a
theory that states that humans are not free.

Determinism has three distinctions:

Biological • Biological determinism is the theory that certain predispositions in our actions are
Determinism already rooted in our DNA. Therefore, this states that actions done by humans are
dictated not by choice but by “genes.”
• For example, there are situations wherein given the genetic make-up of a person
makes him angrier, he will not react rationally and be “predisposed” to be emotional
in dealing with the situation. Here, the illusion of choice is whether or not he should
respond well to the situation. But, because the genes dictate otherwise, the
decision has been made already.
Psychological • Psychological determinism is the theory that tells us that humans are a sum of all
Determinism his past experiences, and as such, these experiences predetermines our reaction
to similar situations. Thus, the “choice” had already been made thanks to his past
experiences.
• For example, women who encounter physical abuse may register an automatic
psychological response such as being weak and just merely allowing the abuser
to continue or be violent and fight back. In this theory, there is no choice – past
experiences make our choice for us.
Sociological • Sociological determinism is the theory that tells us our responses in situations are
Determinism made primarily by what society accepts. If it is not accepted, the theory states that
that person will be pressured not to make that choice and go with what society
accepts.
• For example, a child who is studying in a school gets high grades. The parents and
his family commend him for doing so. But, when he gets a bad grade, he is
seriously reprimanded. With this mindset, the child understands that it is not
acceptable to get a bad grade, and therefore, he has made a choice already – he
has to study or else he risks repeating being reprimanded again.

Accountability, Autonomy, and Responsibility

Freedom, while a basic right, is not absolute. Because if it was, the world could say whatever they want to say
and there’s nothing we can do about it. Various chaotic situations will ensure primarily because we cannot
interfere with their freedom to express themselves or what they want to do. Freedom to choose comes with it
three basic concepts of control: Accountability, Autonomy, and Responsibility.

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 SH1905

• Accountability is being liable to the actions you do. Freedom comes with it a high degree of
accountability as we cannot just do what we want to do with considering the situation of others (as will
be discussed in Module 6). If you do something, you have to be ready for the consequences.
• Autonomy is being free and understanding that freedom is also given to others. As a person, you do
not own or monopolize freedom. Just because you understand and agree on a topic, you cannot assume
that anyone who disagrees should be attacked and corrected. After all, freedom is the capacity to
choose – and that includes what to believe and what not to believe.
• Responsibility is similar to being accountable. A person must understand that before making a choice,
there are effects that he has to be prepared for. We don’t touch a steaming pot of coffee without
understanding the consequences of burning your hand. Being responsible means making the smart
choice – and that means sometimes making a difficult one.

References:
Calano PhD, M.T., Pasco PhD Cand., M. D., Ramoya, PhD Cand., M. B. (2016) Philosophizing and being
human. Quezon City: Sibs Publishing House Inc.
Sy, D. B., Basas, A. A. (2018) Philosophy of the Human Person: An Introduction. Quezon City: Abiva Publishing
House Inc.
Camiloza, L.G., Garnace, E. B., Mazo, R. M., Perez, E. D. (2016) Philosophy of the Human Person. Quezon
City: The Phoenix Publishing House Inc.
Philosophy Terms (n.d.) Determinism. Retrieved from: https://philosophyterms.com/determinism/

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