Abstract
The article deals with the issue of human freedom in its moral aspect. The main question is whether the inclinations and abilities of a person are barriers to his or her freedom. In order to answer this question the author addresses to medieval (Thomas Aquinas) and modern (Karol Wojtyla, Dietrich von Hildebrand, Grzegorz Holub) thinkers. Following Wojtyla the author claims that freedom means the dependence of the dynamization of the person on his or her selfness. The person is able to transcend natural inclinations, but not every inclination that corresponds to human nature interferes freedom. It should be mentioned, at least, the inclination for truth and good. Natural inclinations of a human being do not limit the freedom. To be natural is to be spontaneous, that is to correspond to freedom. Human affects indicate a certain dependence on an object. However, the person has the freedom to accept his or her affective responses or distance himself or herself from them. Self-control also does not deny freedom. Control implies an understanding of person's desires. So, reason conduces a choice, decision making. The moment of choice among multiple alternatives is especially important. It demonstrates both the independence of the will from the objects and the active orientation of the will on value. Freedom is not a passive perception of values, but active engagement in them. Causes and motives cease to be determinants of free action when the reason gives the consent to them, accepting them as its own. Freedom to engage in value should not be confused with the ability to name the value those objects that the will spontaneously desires. It seems that a person's action cannot be free because of its focus on good, besides the true and objective good. Paradoxically, knowledge of the truth of the good becomes a prerequisite for subject's independence. Human morality, as well as the focus on conscious good, do not oppress, but purify freedom and make the person truly independent in his or her self-determination.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
