Question: Freedom And Self-Define Freedom In Your Own Terms

Question Bfreedom And Self Define Freedom In Your Own Terms

Question Bfreedom And Self Define Freedom In Your Own Terms Specific

Question B Freedom and Self. Define freedom in your own terms, specifically outlining those aspects of yourself that you consider the basis of your own conception of “acting freely.” An idea we were left with from the textbook is that people are so largely influenced by both nature and nurture that it is difficult to make any sort of decision which has not already been affected by both internal and external influences; our “self identities” are not a creation of our own but largely the product of biology and relationships. But, choosing to “act freely” implies that we are choosing freely, without influences affecting our choices. Think back to our discussion of the “essential self” in Week 4 as you address the following questions.

To what extent does your conception of “acting freely” include playing roles and interacting with other people? To what extent do other people limit your freedom? How can your “essential self” be free to choose to “act freely” while living in a world in which you are bound by obligations to various kinds of other people? Under which conditions would you be confident to declare that you had freely chosen a “free act”?

Paper For Above instruction

Freedom is a complex and multifaceted concept that intertwines personal autonomy with social and biological influences. As I consider my own understanding of freedom, I recognize that it is not an absolute state but rather a nuanced interplay of internal desires, social roles, and external obligations. Central to my conception of acting freely is the acknowledgment that while influences from nature and nurture shape my decisions, my ability to reflect and deliberate confers a measure of autonomy that defines my sense of free will.

My self-identity forms the foundation of my conception of freedom. I see myself as a product of my biological makeup—genetics and innate tendencies—as well as the environment and relationships that have molded my beliefs, values, and behaviors. These influences are inescapable; they form the fabric of my personality and decision-making processes. However, I believe that within this fabric lies a core “essential self,” which seeks autonomy and genuine choice beyond societal roles and external pressures. This essential self strives to act according to authentic desires, rather than merely react to external influences.

When I consider the role of social interactions and roles, I acknowledge that my capacity to act freely is often mediated by my participation in societal contexts. Playing roles—such as a student, a friend, or a family member—can sometimes constrain genuine freedom because these roles come with expectations and obligations. For instance, fulfilling a family responsibility may limit my options temporarily, but I also view such roles as part of my social fabric that contributes to my identity. Nonetheless, I believe that true freedom involves the ability to choose how and when to perform these roles, rather than being compulsively bound by them.

Other people inevitably influence and sometimes limit my freedom through social norms, expectations, and interpersonal dynamics. For example, peer pressure or societal judgments can restrict my choices or push me toward certain behaviors. Nevertheless, I believe that genuine freedom entails a conscious awareness of these influences and the capacity to act in accordance with authentic intentions, rather than solely conforming out of obligation or fear of social repercussions. Recognizing external influences allows me to make deliberate choices, asserting control over my actions.

Living in a world where obligations to others are unavoidable complicates the notion of free will. However, I argue that the essential self can still be free if the individual consciously identifies and embraces their values and choices. For instance, choosing to fulfill a duty out of genuine conviction rather than coercion or obligation signifies a free act. The key condition for declaring a choice as truly free is the presence of awareness and reflection—acting knowingly rather than reactively. When I can reflect on my desires and the reasons behind my actions, and I still choose to act in accordance with my authentic self, I consider that act genuinely free.

In conclusion, my conception of acting freely involves a balance between internal autonomy and external influences. While I acknowledge that nature, nurture, and social roles shape me, I believe that authentic freedom resides in the capacity to reflect, choose, and act in accordance with my true self. True freedom is not the absence of influence but the conscious exercise of agency within an interconnected world. When I act with awareness and intentionality, I can confidently declare that I have exercised free will.

References

• Frankfurt, H. G. (1988). The Importance of What We Care About: Philosophical Essays. Cambridge University Press.
• Holland, J. (2016). The Virtue of Autonomy: Thinking Ethically about Freedom. Oxford University Press.
• Sartre, J.-P. (1943). Being and Nothingness. Routledge.
• Schopenhauer, A. (1851). The World as Will and Representation. Dover Publications.
• Skinner, B. F. (1971). Beyond Freedom and Dignity. Knopf.
• Taylor, C. (1989). Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity. Harvard University Press.
• Williams, B. (1973). Moral Luck and Other Essays. Cambridge University Press.
• Taylor, P. (2014). The Concept of Autonomy: Ethics and Self-Determination. Routledge.
• Crane, T. (2013). The Meaning of Freedom: An Interpretation and Defense of Negative and Positive Liberty. Oxford University Press.
• Carse, A. (2013). The Self and its Shadows: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Nature of Personal Identity. Routledge.