LESSON 5: THE FREEDOM OF A HUMAN PERSON

What is freedom? What is the essence of freedom?

Freedom is an intrinsic and essential property of the person. This means that the human
person by nature is a free being and that it is in his or her nature to seek freedom. An important
indication of human freedom is the ability to make choices and perform actions. Our freedom to act sets
us apart from other beings.
Freedom is also understood as the power to be what you want to be and the ability to decide and
create yourself. It is also rooted in the person’s self-determination and the exercise of intellect and free
will.
Your nature as a human person gives you the ability to imagine that future. Your freedom,
meanwhile, gives you the ability to strive to achieve that goal.
Having and exercising freedom entail certain responsibilities. Human action can either uphold or
diminish freedom. A person becomes less free when he or she does not exercise control over his or her
actions. Actions that diminish freedom also dehumanize a person.

3 Kinds of Freedom
 Physical freedom - refers to the absence of physical restraint.
 Psychological freedom – freedom of choice
 Moral freedom – refers to the responsible use of freedom which upholds human dignity and
goodness.

2 important Elements of Human Freedom

 Voluntariness refers to the ability of the person to act out of his or her own free will and self-
determination.
 Responsibility refers to the person being accountable for his or her actions and their
consequences.

Freedom is experienced through the act of making choices. It is therefore important for persons to
exercise caution and prudence and reflect on possible courses of action in making decisions or doing
actions.

Freedom should be exercised in a responsible and beneficial manner,

which is done when:
 Individuals exercise control over their actions and recognize reasonable limits to their
freedom.
 Freedom is exercised with regard for knowledge and truth, and each choice or action must be
made after careful though and refection.
 We uphold and recognize not only our individual freedoms, but also the freedom of others.