1.

IS FREEDOM ABSOLUTE OR LIMITED

Freedom is an innate right which humans have since their birth. Freedom is not
something that can be touched, seen, felt or reached. The choice to live one’s life doing what
one wants, live where one wants, eat by own choice and learn what one’s heart desires. This
means that freedom can apply to different aspects of life and freedom is not an absolute
term; it must be limited. We cannot just do what we like and say “I am a free man!”. We
cannot kill, smuggle drugs or violate the laws and rules for freedom, they should be
respected. There is no such thing as absolute freedom.
People may say that you are your own person, and can do whatever you want to, but I
disagree. Take all the laws and rules around us for example. No matter where we are or
what we do, there are certain rules and regulations that we have to follow. This restricts us,
only allowing a certain amount of freedom. People can choose not to follow these rules but
they would then have to deal with the consequences. And by these fears of unpleasant
consequences, we are partially controlled. In this way, freedom is curtailed by society's
strictures and criticism. It does not allow people to act for themselves as they would want to,
being bound by laws and conventions, responsibilities and duty. They have to think of the
consequences and responsibilities that come with choosing 'freedom'. Also, it is not feasible to
allow absolute freedom. Without some sort of restrictions, the world would be in chaos if everyone
does what they want. Law and order in general is the opposite of absolute freedom. They cannot
exist together. In a world governed by law and order, there is no absolute freedom, perhaps only
limited freedom. Most people do not do things on impulse. They have to think about the results of
their actions, and possible consequences. Because of this, we often compromise or decide not to do it
at all. We may have the freedom to choose or think about it, but not the absolute freedom to do it.
Furthermore, enjoying our freedom does not mean that we disregard the rights of others and live the
way we feel right. We have to consider the rights and the feelings of people around us when living
our freedom. Even if freedom is not absolute, there is still freedom, with the biggest freedom
being our choice of perspective. No matter where we are and what is our state of being in
the present, we as individuals can still alter our state of mind and choose different
perspectives and different thoughts in every time we wish too. Thus, the freedom of thought
is probably the biggest freedom that is close to absolution, with its sole limiter being death.

2. IF THE LIMITED, WHAT ARE THE LIMITATION OF FREEDOM

The issues surrounding freedom and liberty are far from easy to settle. Of course our
freedom is limited. First, we are limited by our own human abilities and the physical laws to
which we are subjected. I cannot fly like a bird, regardless of how hard I try. Second, some
actions are explicitly prohibited, or sometimes mandated, by the laws to which we are
subjected. As a Filipino, We have to pay taxes; we cannot commit murder in the first degree;
and so on. On what grounds, and to what extent our freedom to speak or to act may be
limited is, of course, a contentious matter, but that some restrictions are needed is not that
controversial. How are these limits? Is it an exercise of freedom, properly speaking, to
indulge into fantasies like flying like a bird, or to murder someone, or is it delusional or
beyond the realm of freedom proper? If we know what is possible and what is not possible;
what is within our power to control is what is out of it; then we can adjust our mind to that,
and make decisions that shall never be met with contradiction. Hence we shall be absolutely
free. Only we want to murder someone, would not be free to do so; if, by contrast, We never
want to do such a heinous thing. With that in mind, you have all that is needed to understand
how freedom is problematic. Not only can it be understood in different ways (roughly
speaking, metaphysical or social-political), but what counts as a “limit” to our freedom is
itself a contentious matter.