views that deny humans have freedom determinism: physical, religious & social
TRANSCRIPT
Catholics believeFreedom is a characteristic we have because we are human.
We truly use our freedom when we act towards our end as humans, i.e., what makes us the best we can be as humans.
Three groups of thinking that deny human freedom: DETERMINISMNaturalism
A physical determinismReligious Determinism
God “makes us act”Social Determinism
Our “society” makes us act
NaturalismCoined by G.E. MooreMain ideas:
The universe is a material systemEverything follows physical, biological processes of causes & effects
Science / Empirical evidence gives us what is true
You have no freedom because:
Your DNA controls: Who you areWhat you do
Therefore, you are not free, your freedom is only a delusion
PROBLEM?How can you be responsible if you
have no choice?
Catholicism teaches:
We have free willWe are spiritual beings somehow connected with our bodies
Naturalism isn’t a good enough explanation.
Catholicism does not deny
The discoveries of scienceConnections between our spiritual and physical aspects
WE believe that a human person is
A being that is at the same time physical and spiritual
Soul is the word we use to signify our “spiritual principle”
Religious Determinism
Also known as PREDESTINATIONGod “predetermined” the course of HistoryEach person
Who suggested Predestination?
A French Reformer,John CalvinCatholic Teaching disagrees with predestination:Human freedom does not conflict with God’s providence
PuritansA branch off of CalvinismBelieved:
Because of sin, humans are totally depraved and deserve damnation
People are cut off from God, and helpless to save themselves
God doesn’t want to save all
Catholicism teaches
We are free because of God’s providence
Salvation: God reaches out to us, and that make possible our cooperation to reach back
St. Augustine
1st great theologian to write about free will & how it is connected to God’s grace
He used to be a ManichaeanNo free willBody & matter are evilSpirit & soul are good
Augustine also taught against:
The teachings of Pelagius, i.e., PELAGIANISMFree will has total powerHumans can determine their salvation without God
Social DeterminismOutside forces like:
ParentsCultureTraumatic experiencesOne’s history, social background
Determine one’s behaviour