Human Freedom, Ethics, and Justice: A Deep Dive

Freedom: Definition and Types

Freedom is the power that human beings have to act according to their intelligence and will. Types of freedom include:

• External Freedom: The absence of pressure from external forces, allowing the subject to act without complete coercion.
• Internal Freedom: Exercised in a supportive environment, where an individual can build their life and pursue self-imposed goals. This includes:
  • Freedom of exercise.
  • Freedom of specification.
  • Moral Freedom.
  • Biological Freedom.

Determinism and its Forms

Natural determinism is the idea that human beings are not outside nature, but part of it.

• Physical Determinism: Considers that while human beings are more complex than other objects, their actions are determined.
• Biological Determinism: Considers that human behavior is determined mainly by biological factors.

Freedom vs. Responsibility

Freedom is the natural right that human beings possess to act according to their own will, the ability to self-actualize. Responsibility is a concept that relates to assuming the consequences of those acts performed consciously and intentionally.

Uncertainties of Freedom

These express limitations or curbs on the exercise of freedom, while acknowledging that freedom exists:

• Biblical Indeterminacy: God made man free. The fall into sin is a loss of freedom; salvation is liberation.
• Thomistic Indeterminacy: Stated by Thomas Aquinas, the wise man is free, guided by intelligence. Goods attract, but man can choose.
• Ethical Necessity: According to Kant, humans are ethical beings capable of moral autonomy, requiring freedom.
• New Physical Science: Quantum mechanics (Heisenberg, Schrödinger) suggests nature operates by chance, not deterministically.
• Existential Consciousness: We exist first, then build ourselves through a vital project, implying freedom to choose.

Material vs. Formal Ethics

• Material Ethics: The foundation of moral action is the *object* of the action (good, happiness). Focus is on *achieving* that good.
• Formal Ethics: The basis of moral action is in the *action itself*. Focus is on the moral *correctness* of the action.

Hedonism and Epicureanism

• Hedonism: Human action should be motivated by pleasure, not just good.
• Epicureanism: Humans have three fears that, if overcome, allow for happiness: fear of fate, fear of death, and fear of God.

Hypothetical vs. Categorical Imperatives

• Hypothetical Imperative: Answered with reward or punishment.
• Categorical Imperative: Compelling in themselves, unconditionally.

Justice and its Types

Justice is the most important virtue, representing respect for law and the state. Types include:

• Distributive Justice: Division of assets among individuals.
• Corrective Justice: Regulates relations between people, judged by law with equal treatment.

Plato's Organization of the Polis

Plato attaches great importance to politics, stating that man needs the help of others. Essentials in the polis include:

• The services of the peasants.
• The guards who protect the city.
• The leaders who ensure compliance with the law.