The Meaning of

Freedom
 Positive and Negative Freedom
A person who is free possesses positive freedom and has control or mastery of
herself and so has the strength to do what is good. Policies, rules, and
regulations are there to ensure the good of every person. Thus, a person who is
free is hardly aware of rules and regulations that others think limit a person’s
freedom. A person who is free is not allergic to rules and regulations. Rules and
regulations help her to grow in freedom since freedom is the power or the
strength to master herself to do good.

Negative Freedom refers to the absence of coercion or interference. By

interference, we mean something that is intentionally imposed on a person. It
may come in the form of physical coercion such as kidnapping or
imprisonment, or verbal coercion such as the issuing of threats to another
person.
 Freedom and Existentialism

Existentialism is a kind of philosophy that highlights human existence, human

freedom, and choice. It argues that one must define his/her meaning in life and
make rational decisions.

Existentialists believe that a person is free and should take full responsibility for his/her own
doings. Their philosophy underscores action, choice, and decision as fundamental principles,
and contends that the exercise of personal freedom is the sole solution to get through the
absurdity of human condition characterized by suffering and death. This holds the contention
of complete rejection of determinism.
Known existentialist Jean-Paul Satre explores the
true meaning of freedom and in what way a person
can achieve such. With due reference to a person’s
consciousness, freedom is viewed simply as the
ability to choose.
Satre also claims that a person is not and
object but a subject. This valuing of human
nature ensures that one of his/her dignity,
delivered from his/her freedom of choice. It is
only through intentional choice that a person
could live a highly dignified life, granting of
course that he/she was able to make good
choices and decisions for himself/herself.
Explain your stand on these
statements
1.I am free as long as I do not harm
others.
2.I am my own architect. I know what
is good and bad for me.
3.My happiness is my choice
Imagine yourself being on the following situations,
what do you hink are the consequences will these
choices/actions will lead to?

1. You did not review for your final examination

2. You chose not to pursue a college degree
3. You decided to get married right after graduation from high
school.
THANK YOU!