FREEDOM OF THE

HUMAN PERSON
 Freedom in general means the absence of
resistant. There are different kinds of
restraint and freedom. –Physical freedom
is the absence of physical restraint. When a
prisoner is released from prison, he is
physically free, since he is no longer
restrained by the prison walls. –Moral
freedom is the absence of moral restraint,
of an obligation, of a law. Thus in this
country we are morally free to criticize the
government.
• The will, in philosophy and psychology, is a
term used to describe the faculty of mind
that is alleged to stimulate motivation of
purposeful activity.
• The concept has been variously interpreted
by philosophers, some accepting the will as a
personal faculty or function (for example, Plato,
Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes and Kant)
• And other seeing it as the externalized result
of the interaction of conflicting elements (for
example, Spinoza, Leibniz, and Huma).
• Thomas Aquinas’ Ideas About the Will and
Human Freedom • Five Stages of a Human Act
(from perception to action of the will)
Stage 1.Intellect - apprehends a situation and
determines that a particular end is appropriate
(good) for the given circumstances. Will -
approves a simple volition for that end (or can
reject, change the subject, etc.)
Stage 2.Intellect - determines that the end can
be achieved, is within the power of the agent.
Will - Intention: to achieve the end through
some means
 Stage 3. Intellect - Counsel: determines various
means to achieve the end. • Will - accepts these
means (or can ask for more means)
• Stage 4. Intellect - determines the best means
for the given circumstances. • Will - Electio
(choice): selects the means the intellect
proposes as best.
• Stage 5. Intellect - Command: says "Do the
best means!" • Will - Use: exercises control over
the body or mind as needed.