There are many theories and philosophical propositions on Man’s freedom and freewill. As it stands, there is no all-encompassing definition.
What is Freedom?
It may be referred to as the condition of being free; the power to act, speak or think without externally imposed restraints.
Some schools of thought (like Plato’s) advocate for ethical exercise of freewill while other philosophers present that morality should be disconnected from freewill while others hold to the contrary. For instance, Jean Jacques Rosseau put forward that “Man is free but everywhere in chains”.
While it is undeniable that man has a free choice because he is intelligent, he needs to exercise said intelligence to make logical decisions.
One thing to note, However, is that his power of choice can be limited by physical realities. For example, a beggar boy on the streets is limited by his prevailing circumstances even if he envisions schooling in Harvard. The limitation, though not absolutely insurmountable would deem imposing. However, for a child born to a multibillionaire businessman, these choices become very achievable.
Every decision is based on one reason or the other except in the situation of mental incapacity.
Man should strive to find the truth through learning and reflection to facilitate making (more) logical decisions. Another way to put this is that knowledge broadens our awareness of the choices available to use and help us navigate through the maze of decision-making.
Man is shaped by his choices. Hence, he has to sensibly channel his instincts and intuitions. In this regard; freedom may be split into two broad categories:
- Freedom from
- Freedom for
Freedom from: This is the wide-held conception of freedom “to not be constrained”. Such freedom “from”, when unlimited may result in destruction or chaos. Imagine having no constraints, obligations or boundaries.
Freedom For: This is more inclined towards the voluntary: to aspire for what you wish. E.g., learning and mastering guitar, attaining success in one’s career. Think “freedom to do or to become”.
Flowing from this, we may intentionally constrain our freedom when we make a commitment to pursue a cause. The commitment we have made constrains to act a certain way. For instance, marriage is a commitment. Because of this commitment, a man may not be available for all-night partying as in his single days; he is now a husband and has a commitment to his wife and the institution of marriage.
Excellence flows from this and this freedom gives greater fulfilment. This is because of the power of focus; we can channel our energies to get the best out of our commitments.
HOW SHOULD WE USE OUR FREEDOM?
It is the benefit of free-will that really makes us the author of our lives. We should constantly strive for the truth and self-discovery. It is when we make the right choices that we are truly free.
When wrong choices are made, we limit our future freedom and enslave ourselves as we can become encumber by the consequences of past poor decisions. We therefore have an obligation to ensure that the choices we make are thought through and intelligent.
To cap this all up, true freedom is the realization that we are formed by the choices we make.
This will come to play in a Managerial context. As a manager, one should execute decision-making in a strategic and empathetic manner which advances both organisational and stakeholder interests.
