INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN PERSON

CHAPTER 5 – Freedom of the Human Person 2 ELEMENTS THAT DEFINE FREEDOM

A. VOLUNTARINESS – refers to the ability of a person to act out his or her own free
Important Notes: will and self-determination. This also means that a person may act even if he or she
is not required or called to take action. Voluntary acts are free acts which can be
FREEDOM is an intrinsic and essential property of the person. This means that the assigned a corresponding moral value.
human person by nature is a free being and that it is in his or her nature to seek B. RESPONSIBILITY – refers to the person bring accountable for his/her actions and
freedom. An important indication of human freedom is the ability to make choices their consequences. Taking responsibility can either mean a person voluntarily
and perform actions. Our freedom to act sets us apart to other beings. taking responsibility for his/her own actions, or being held responsible by other
people.
With us humans, our inherent freedom makes us very dynamic creatures and our
actions do not necessarily follow a set of pattern or a pre-determined course. Voluntariness and responsibility go hand-in-hand in determining a person’s
Freedom is also understood as the power to be what you want to be and the ability freedom. Without these two elements, human freedom is diminished, and the
to decide and create yourself. FREEDOM is rooted in the human person’s self- person makes imperfect actions and unwise decisions which may have negative
determination and the exercise of intellect and free will. This means that a person’s effects on self and others.
every action is freely determined and these actions define him or her. This is the
nature of self-determination – that a person’s actions determine what kind of ANOTHER REALITY – Freedom is experienced through the act of making choices. It is
person he or she becomes. therefore important for persons to exercise caution and prudence and reflect on
possible courses of action in making decisions or during actions.
Freedom is also understood as the power to be what you want to be and the ability
to decide and create yourself. FREEDOM is rooted in the human person’s self- HOW to EXERCISE FREEDOM RESPONSIVELY?
determination and the exercise of intellect and free will. This means that a person’s A. Human freedom should be exercised with control and recognition of reasonable
every action is freely determined and these actions define him or her. This is the limits.
nature of self-determination – that a person’s actions determine what kind of We set limits to our own freedom and learn to moderate or control our
person he or she becomes. thoughts, emotions, and actions depending on the situation. A person can even
choose to limit his or her own freedom or even surrender if entirely if it will result in
KINDS OF FREEDOM: greater benefits. Limiting personal freedom requires us to sacrifice certain self
a. Physical Freedom. This refers to the absence of any physical restraint. The person interests and accept certain realities that are beyond our control.
has the freedom of mobility to go where he or she wants to go. He or she is not
impeded in his or her actions by any physical force. Granted that the person has B. Freedom should also be exercised with regard for knowledge and truth.
natural limitations, physical freedom allows him or her to act and move in a As rational beings, it is natural for us to think before we act. We use our
determined manner. freedom to act and acquire more knowledge in order to come up with decisions and
b. Psychological Freedom. This is also called as freedom of choice. The person is courses of actions when confronted with difficult situations. Ability to acquire
free to perform actions that he or she considered right and wise. A person is also information and truthful knowledge regarding a particular situation is very
free to act or not to act. Psychological freedom is innate and cannot be denied to a important, since it aids us in making wise and informed choices. By doing this, we
person. ensure that our choices, decisions and actions are proper, reasonable and just.
c. Moral Freedom. This refers to using freedom in a manner that upholds human
dignity and goodness. Freedom is not an object that a person may use in whatever C. In exercising freedom, we should also recognize and uphold not only our
way he or she pleases. Humans have a natural inclination for what is true and good, individual freedom but also the freedom of others.
and when a person uses his or her freedom to do acts that violate human dignity This view had led to the assertion that freedom is recognized and
and goodness, he or she dehumanizes himself or herself and effectively negates guaranteed right for all persons.
human freedom.
Source:
Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Person, Abella, DepEd Module, pp. 77 – 89
Prepared by: Benhur P. Doronila, TII