RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL CATEGORY “FREEDOM”

Abstract

Problem statement. The issue of freedom is one of the central in classical and modern philosophical science. By its nature, it is a complex, heterogeneous phenomenon. Its qualitative characteristics have changed due to circumstances dictated by the conditions of a particular period of human civilization’s development. This gave rise to a multitude of views that only broadened the definition of freedom. Purpose of the study. Accordingly, the purpose of the article is a study aimed at understanding the category of “Freedom” by representatives of philosophy of different historical periods (from ancient times to modern philosophy) and to determine the place of freedom in the life of the individual. The objectives of research: to conduct a retrospective analysis of the category “Freedom” and to demonstrate the positions of representatives of philosophical science. The goal of the article is to determine the implementation of the following research methods: analysis, induction, dialectical, hermeneutic, as well as methods of logical and historical analysis. Thus, analyzing the views of philosophers who have studied the importance of freedom and determined its place in human life, the most important point will be that each of the researchers was able to make a unique contribution to its understanding. Undoubtedly, freedom is the basis of personal and social life, regardless of the sphere. It is multifaceted and fundamental, because, firstly, it is quite difficult to clearly define it, and secondly, freedom comprehensively expresses the complex dialectical processes of world development. Due to the cardinal globalization changes in the world, axiological orientations of man, total digitalization, which are happening in the XXI century at a very fast pace, it is difficult to imagine what will happen to freedom and what will be its real price. Predict how freedom will be understood during this century it is still almost impossible, as time will dictate its demands, and the boundaries of freedom can both expand and shrink. The main conclusion about this philosophical category will be the following: a person has, and sometimes is doomed to be free, but for each of his actions and manifestations of freedom must be responsible.