What is Freedom?

What is Freedom for Philosophy?

Freedom is classified by philosophy as the independence of the human being, 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?

1. The first philosophical conception of freedom was expounded by Aristotle in his work "Ethics to Nicomaches" and, with variants, it 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 voluntary act.
2. The second conception was developed by a school of Philosophy from the Hellenistic period. It is about 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 part. The Whole can be Nature, Culture or historical-social formation.
3. In addition to the Aristotelian and Stoic conceptions, there is a third 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 among 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 just something felt or perceived subjectively by us, but it is also and above all something inscribed in the heart of need, 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 make 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 taken place, wars have been fought, and much blood has been shed.

But true freedom can only be experienced through the shedding of blood from one person: Jesus. His perfect sacrifice frees everyone who chooses to believe. No chain can withstand the Saviour's liberating power.

The Bible says that freedom is the ability to choose not to sin. Whoever accepts Jesus as his Savior is freed from the dominion of sin. Freedom in Jesus is not a license to do whatever we want, 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 our Savior, He frees us from slavery to sin. With Jesus' help we can say "NO!" to sin.

Whoever loves God wants to do what is right, to please Him. We are freed from the power of sin but we are now subject to the will of God. This subjection is still freedom, because we obey out of love, not lack of choice (Romans 8:14-15).

Subjection to sin binds and destroys us, but subjection to God gives us a better and fuller life. The slavery of sin only brings problems and suffering. The freedom of the Bible is the promise of eternal life abounding without suffering (Romans 6:20-23).

What is the value of Freedom?

Freedom assures everyone the right to choose their profession, work and how to apply 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 property right. Without this, man would not have created the technologies, inventions and enterprises 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 go until they do not harm the other's life. For example: littering in the street, listening to loud music, lack of limits indoors. These are the kinds of things you are free to do but harm other people's lives. Limits to freedom is also controlling your wills. Limits to freedom is taking responsibility. Obeying the traffic rules prevents accidents. Taken no alcohol when drving prevents deaths. Obeying the 10 commandments of God, gives a better world. In general the laws in a country are for a better life for everybody, unless they go against God's laws.

No limits, is it good or bad?

Very bad. Like the examples cited above, they show that freedom without taking responsibility for one's actions is quite harmful.