1. Human Freedom and Action
Exploring different philosophical positions on human freedom and action

2. Read about each of the following concepts in this presentation and in the textbook and use the Assignment #4 Worksheet to create notes.
Human freedom – p.29
Naturalism
AI p 31/32
Mind brain distinction 33
Religious determinism p 35
Social determinism p 36
Sigmund Freud 36-38
Assignment #4

3. Human Freedom p29 We are all in a state of “Becoming”
We are formed by the choices we make, the actions we perform and commitments we make.
The actions and choices we make are formed not only by the person we are but also function to shape the person(s) we are becoming

4. Naturalism p30-34
Understands the material universe as a unified system and humans are no more than a part of it
Everything, including humanity, is part of one grand chain of being connected by cause and effect and if we want to show something is true, it must be proven using concrete evidence.

5. Naturalism There is no human spirit or culture; just science
Humans and activities are the result of the natural selection process. We are nothing more than a product of our genes.
This is a direct assault on human freedom … believe our genes determine who we are and what we can be. Our promises and commitments do not come from motive or intentions but from genetic pre-disposition.
Freedom is a delusion and ethics and morality are irrelevant because humans are not free… humans are compelled to behave a certain way by their genetic disposition. Science rules not human free will.

6. Religious Determinism p35
Also denies human freedom but where naturalists believe human action is predetermined by our genes, religious determinism believes human action is predetermined by God.
Believes that sin has so totally depraved humans, that humans are born and live their entire lives deserving eternal damnation.
They do not believe God wants all people to be saved, instead they think God selects a small few to be saved and rejects others and there is nothing we can do about it.

7. Religious Determinism
As Catholics we maintain that humans are free precisely because of God’s providence and God saves all.
Although salvation is God’s initiative of love, God’s love requires and makes possible our cooperation. We have the freedom to respond or not. We are all invited to participate in our own salvation. We are free agents.

8. Social Determinism p36 Is like naturalism in many ways
Says your behaviour is determined by others: parents, culture, past experiences and your social background. Ie) I did this because I was abused as a child.
If your actions are based entirely on your past then how can you be responsibhile for those actions?

9. Sigmund Freud A leader in psychotherapy
Developed the understanding of the “unconscious mind” … demonstrated that human behaviours is often driven by the unconscious impulses based on repressed memories and desires.
Even though memories might be buried in our unconscious they do not go away and they continue to influence our perceptions and decisions.

10. Sigmund Freud
These repressed memories may resurface in odd behaviour patterns or “neurotic” behaviour.
Freud would argue that until you reconnect with the repression , your actions are not free. Therefore you are not responsible for you actions.

11. Sigmund Freud
Another aspect of Freud’s theories which impact morality is his theory of instinct
Life or love (eros) instinct and death (Thanatos) instinct.
Because of these powerful instincts, Freud would argue that morality is imposed upon people and most often against their will.