Understanding Affectivity, Temperament, and Human Freedom

Understanding Affectivity and Human Emotion

Affectivity is our ability to connect with others, generating feelings and emotions that are generally pleasant, though sometimes unpleasant. While feelings and experiences are enduring and often difficult to hide, emotions are spontaneous, observable expressions such as laughing or crying.

Temperament vs. Character

• Temperament: While not something we choose, it can be shaped through our decisions, allowing us to forge our own character.
• Character: This represents a firm, unchanging aspect of a person who knows their goals, contrasting with the evolving nature of temperament shaped by life experiences.

Perspectives on Determinism

Determinists argue that human beings are not truly free but are governed by external forces. Types of determinism include:

• Cosmological: The belief that universal laws govern nature and human destiny, often linked to horoscopes and divination.
• Theological: The belief that because God is omniscient and omnipotent, all human actions are predetermined by Him.
• Scientific: The attempt to explain human behavior through specific biological or environmental dimensions.

Defining Freedom and Responsibility

Freedom is categorized into two distinct types:

• External Freedom: The ability to act as one sees fit within the boundaries of social laws and customs, provided there are no external obstacles (e.g., losing custody).
• Internal Freedom: The authentic moral capacity to make personal decisions. This is a fundamental freedom that cannot be taken away by others.

Responsibility is the ability to account for our actions. It extends beyond ourselves to include our interactions with others and our capacity to empathize with those in need by putting ourselves in their position.