freedom exists, yes it does, but in two distinct forms, social and absolute. social freedom is not a true form of freedom, but its the most common use of the word. it refers to that idea of freedom that is constrained by social laws and norms. its therefore not true freedom because its restricted to this acceptability in society. whereas on the other hand we have absolute freedom. this is simply the ability to do whatever you want, rape, murder, walk around naked, carrying bazookas with your slaves doing the housework etc. of course this freedom is realisable. you could do whatever you wanted. but because its not socially acceptable, then you will not be free to do these things without the social authorities stepping in to stop it. so its not a viable option.
Freedom; a responsibility that is one of obligation (social freedom). one is coerced to mediate patterns of behaviour to a particular form of freedom that is dictated by the commands of society; this can be called normalisation. 'normalising society' (drawing on foucault here), deems that an idealised form of freedom can only be achieved through one's own ability to behave according to personal sensibilities, which ultimately reflects the social construction (and ultimately constraints) of a disciplinary society. hmmm.
ReplyDeleteFreedom is supposedly its most limited (i won't not talk about disabilities or other alternatives for now) when in prison (chains, behind bars, set timetables etc). what if the process of taking away people's freedom (the prison system) is only reaffirming that there is no freedom outside of prison, let us say, in the 'real world'. prison is not punishment, the prison institution is only reaffirming societies position on the normalising process of society as a whole...
for the negative:
ReplyDelete"So-called 'freedom' itself is conditioned and relative. Such a conditioned and relative 'Free Will' is not denied. There can be nothing absolutely free, physical or mental, as everything is interdependent and relative. If free will implies a will independent of conditions, independent of cause and effect, such a thing does not exist. How can a will, or anything for that matter, arise without conditions, away from cause and effect, when the whole of existence is conditioned and relative, and is within the law of cause and effect?"
Walpola Rahula, 1967
"Der Mensch kann wohl tun, was er will, aber er kann nicht wollen, was er will"
ReplyDelete- Schopenhauer, 1839
"man can well do what he wants, but he cannot will what he wants"