Postrero, Kaizer Red M.

November 26, 2022

BS Aerospace Engineering MWF 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Great Books Semi-Finals Exam

1. Should humans be completely free to do as they wish? Or do we always need a limit

for it? Justify your answer. (25 points)

Freedom is a right which is possessed by all humans from the moment they are

born. It should be noted that they are also capable to think rationally in the light of

reason Since it is generally accepted that humans possess the capacity to reason and

act freely as morally versed individuals, their ability to distinguish between good and

wrong influences morality. But there is no denying the universal principles that

underlie all human actions and reactions. The actual issue with how we are free comes

from this struggle.

Technically, humans are physically free to do as they wish within the limits of

human capabilities. They are susceptible to physical laws that hinder them from flying

like a bird or teleporting to another dimension. This goes the same for morals, the laws

they are subject to have some activities that are expressly forbidden or even required.

These limits were established in order to avoid abuse. Humans as they are, there are

things that they could not get enough of, and one of those is power. Once they hold

power, tendency is they would exploit it unless there are restrictions. Hence, there are

undoubtedly countless significant restrictions on freedom.

 Needless to say, the limit of one’s freedom is the freedom of others. Given that,

it is considered unethical or inappropriate – as well as abusing your own privileges –

to attempt to prevent others from practicing such freedom. Assuming that humans are

adeptly knowledgeable on the classification of wrong from right. They should be able

to recognize and formulate the innate ethical boundaries that humans are expected to

follow. People's ability to stick to what is right without being conditioned is what truly

sets them apart from animals. Therefore, mere desire for human liberty does not have

the ability to bring about good.

2. Is it fair for a bad person to go to heaven and a good person to go to hell? Justify your

answer. (25 points)

Each person's perception of what is good and evil in the world is unique. And

absolutely determining this is really complicated. Since the inner voice that says "do

good, avoid evil" precedes any notions of social order, the question of what is right or

wrong, will always be a part of reality. This is true not just because it serves the

practical objective of establishing order in the world system but because humans’

ultimate goal is to become a better version of themselves. Additionally, humans utilize

their ideas of goodness to regulate both their own and other people's decisions, which

shows how fundamental the concept of good and bad is in our decision-making.

A bad person going to heaven and a good person going to hell seems like a very

unjust situation in favor of the former. Deciding whether this is fair or not all depends

on one’s religious and philosophical views. Looking at this case in the perspective of

religion, the person’s faith and their repentance determines where they are going
following death. As in accordance with their scripture, no matter how good you are if

you did not believe in God, hell is still where you will end up in. Individuals can only

enter paradise by embracing the forgiveness that Jesus extends to us. Jesus carried the

people’s punishments for them. The gift of forgiveness, which He offers with His life,

is now being offered to all Christians by Him. The only thing He requires is the

person’s decision to accept it. However, philosophically, it is surely unfair for the good

to suffer while the bad are rewarded in heaven. Think of following higher rules and

applying good principles in your life, only to be punished. Surely, one would feel

cheated and violated.

Regardless of what religion and philosophy dictates, it should be an innate to

everyone that doing good is the norm. Humans do not know for certain where

everyone ends up in after death, but that does not mean you should be able to do

whatever you want to do to the extent of stepping over others. As rational individuals,

you are expected to treat others how you want to be treated. Treat everyone with

respect as you do yourself since doing so contributes to your overall well-being.

Retribution is inevitable since life revolves for a long time, therefore even though it

might not be the same person you helped, good fate will happen anyway.