Summary Tradisional | Freedom and Subjectivity

Contextualization

Freedom and subjectivity have been key topics in philosophical discussions, a subject that has intrigued thinkers from ancient times to today. Here, freedom is typically seen as the power to make choices without being forced, allowing an individual to decide based on personal values and beliefs. However, the idea of freedom is understood differently across various cultures, including our own, affecting how these concepts are applied in day-to-day life. Philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Immanuel Kant have significantly contributed to these debates. Sartre, a prominent figure in existentialism, famously remarked that we are 'condemned to be free,' implying that our ability to choose comes with the burden of full responsibility for our actions. In contrast, Kant ties freedom with morality by arguing that true liberty is achieved when one acts on reason and universal moral laws. These discussions are essential for grasping how our choices are evaluated morally and how ethical principles steer our decisions, providing a strong basis for analyzing everyday issues from multiple perspectives.

To Remember!

Concept of Freedom

In philosophical terms, freedom is generally understood as the power to choose without external interference. This idea has been examined since ancient periods, with thinkers such as Aristotle and Augustine laying the groundwork, continuing up to modern theorists. Freedom forms the cornerstone of existentialism, especially in Sartre's works, where he asserts that freedom is an inevitable aspect of human life—hence, we are 'condemned to be free', meaning that we must bear the responsibility for every decision we make. On another note, Enlightenment philosopher Immanuel Kant offers a contrasting view by linking freedom to moral behavior. For Kant, genuine freedom is about acting based on rational thought and following universal moral principles or categorical imperatives. Thus, freedom is not merely about being free from compulsion, but also about adhering to reason. It is important to note that different cultural and historical contexts may view freedom differently—for instance, while individual freedom is cherished in many Western contexts, in some cultures, including many parts of India, there is often a greater emphasis on social harmony and collective duty.

• Freedom as the ability to choose without external pressure.

• Sartre’s notion: we are 'condemned to be free' and must shoulder complete responsibility.

• Kant’s view: freedom is closely linked to acting in line with moral duties and categorical imperatives.

• Cultural and historical differences influence how freedom is perceived.

Subjectivity of Freedom

The idea of the subjectivity of freedom highlights that the experience of being free is deeply personal and varies from one person to another. Sartre stresses this point by arguing that each of us has a unique interpretation of what it means to be free. While he sees freedom as an inherent part of our existence, how we deal with it is a subjective matter. Kant also recognises a degree of subjectivity when it comes to applying universal moral principles—even though he believes that real freedom comes from acting in accordance with reason, he accepts that individuals might interpret these principles in different ways. Additionally, our cultural and social backgrounds play a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of freedom. In certain communities, freedom might be seen as a means to work for the collective good, whereas in other settings, it might be associated more with personal autonomy.

• The understanding of freedom is unique to each individual.

• According to Sartre, freedom is an inherent, yet personal, feature of our existence.

• Kant acknowledges subjective interpretation in applying universal moral laws.

• Cultural and social influences heavily shape our view on freedom.

Freedom and Morality

The connection between freedom and morality is a vital aspect of philosophical enquiry. Kant was one of the first to explore this link, arguing that true freedom is exercised when one acts on reason and universal moral laws. In his view, an action is morally acceptable if it can be universally adopted without contradiction, meaning that freedom must be directed by moral constraints. On the flip side, Sartre acknowledges that while freedom is an unavoidable reality for human beings, it also comes with a moral weight—every choice and action carries responsibility. Therefore, freedom isn't just about the ability to choose, but also about being answerable for the impacts of those choices. It is also important to remember that moral standards differ across cultures; in some societies, morality is shaped by strict religious or traditional norms, while in others it might be based on more flexible ethical reasoning. These differences significantly affect how freedom is practised and understood.

• Kant ties freedom to the adherence to universal moral principles.

• Sartre emphasizes that freedom comes with the burden of moral responsibility.

• Variations in moral practices across cultures affect the perception of freedom.

• Freedom of choice should be aligned with moral guidelines.

Freedom and Ethics

Ethics, which studies the principles guiding human behaviour, is closely linked to the notion of freedom. The power to choose is deeply intertwined with ethical norms that help steer our actions. Kant’s philosophy rests on the idea that true ethical behaviour is guided by reason—true freedom is achieved when one acts according to rational and universal rules, often referred to as categorical imperatives. In contrast, Sartre takes a more personal approach, arguing that each individual is responsible for creating their own ethical framework through their choices. This makes ethics a personal, subjective formulation closely related to one’s individual freedom. It is also worth noting that cultural and social norms heavily influence ethical values. For example, in some communities, ethical concepts may lean towards communal obligations, while in others individual freedom and autonomy are given more prominence. Understanding these varied contexts helps us appreciate how freedom and ethics co-exist and interact.

• Ethics form the foundation for our decisions and is linked to the freedom of choice.

• Kant stresses that ethics should be based on rational, universal principles or categorical imperatives.

• Sartre views ethics as a personal creation, tied to individual freedom and responsibility.

• Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping our understanding of both ethics and freedom.

Key Terms

• Freedom: The ability to make choices without any external compulsion.

• Subjectivity: The personal and individual perception of ideas like freedom.

• Morality: The set of principles that help us decide between right and wrong.

• Ethics: The study of the moral principles that guide our behaviour.

• Jean-Paul Sartre: An existentialist who famously stated that we are 'condemned to be free.'

• Immanuel Kant: An Enlightenment thinker who ties freedom to moral duties through categorical imperatives.

• Categorical Imperatives: Kant's notion of universal moral laws.

• Responsibility: The duty to take ownership of our choices and actions.

Important Conclusions

In this lesson, we have delved into the intricate ideas of freedom and subjectivity as seen through the lenses of Sartre and Kant. Sartre reminds us that freedom is inherent in our existence, and with every choice comes the responsibility for its outcomes. On the other hand, Kant links freedom with behaving according to universal moral standards, suggesting that our choices must be guided by reason. We also explored the notion that the way we experience freedom is subjective, and our cultural background plays an important role in shaping that experience. Understanding these perspectives not only deepens our knowledge of philosophical thought but also helps us appreciate the cultural nuances that influence how freedom is defined and practiced.

Study Tips

• Go through the examples and texts discussed in class, noting the different views of Sartre and Kant on freedom.

• Take detailed notes and summarise the core ideas about freedom and subjectivity, highlighting the key differences in their philosophical approaches.

• Engage in group discussions or write reflective essays on how different cultures, including our own, perceive and exercise freedom.