1. Libertarianism Unpacked
Philosopher
Quote/Summary
Explanation

2. Libertarianism
Sartre – ‘At the start, man simply is.’ Therefore this blank canvas, as it were, is nothing other than a ‘perpetual process of self creation’. In other words, we are responsible for who we have become and so freedom, in Sartre’s thinking, excuses no one.
Sartre referred to man’s freedom as a burden, as to him, absolute freedom ultimately equates to absolute responsibility; ‘Man, as completely free, has the complete responsibility over his freedom.’

3. Kant – In order for us to be judged and for us to do our duty (follow the categorical imperative), we must have autonomy/freedom. This is true freedom of the mind, beyond the physical world. Descartes also thought this.

4. Catholic Church – Simply put, Man has free will. God gave it to us
Catholic Church – Simply put, Man has free will. God gave it to us. According to our actions, some Christians feel we are judged as to whether we are saved or damned.

5. Adam Smith – believed that in a capitalist society, each individual freely decides what commodities to consume based on preferences. In this way, the economy runs purely based on individuals acting freely in their own self-interest.

6. Thomas Reid – see free will as common sense
Thomas Reid – see free will as common sense. It therefore follows that we have full moral responsibility.

7. Each of these represents a criticism…how and who?

8. 1
Was Sartre free to not see the lobster then?

9. 2
How can we be fully free from genetic predisposition?

10. 3
If we were totally free, we would have no limits and return to Hobbes’ ‘state of nature’ and anarchy?

11. 4
Free will is an illusion

12. Just a picture of Tuscany

13. If I am not totally free, then why do I feel so strongly that I am
If I am not totally free, then why do I feel so strongly that I am? Surely this must mean something!
Oasis - Whatever

14. Plenary
You are free to decide how to end this lesson. There are no constraints on you at all. How do you feel? What do you want to do? Were you free to decide this?