Introduction to Philosophy

Achieve Test Prep: Philosophy

his or herself through the choices that they make on a daily basis. We must accept abandonment, forge our set of values through our free choices, and accept our responsibility.

The last emotion that helps to define the human condition is despair. People can acknowledge depression by recognizing that many aspects of life are completely out of our control. No matter how clear our vision or how determined our will, there will be factors that we cannot influence. Despite the ever-present threat of the unknown, Sartre believes that this recognition of both our complete freedom and the limitations of our control should move us towards positive actions. Our actions are the only genuine part of ourselves that define our lives. We exist only to the extent that we have acted boldly, forcefully, courageously, creatively, and lovingly. You are the sum of your actions and accomplishments, not your wishes, dreams, or intentions. This may encourage people to strive mightily to achieve great things and live a full life. We are oriented to the future and are continually weighing options and considering our choices; that faculty of consideration and choosing is what makes us truly free. A Feminist Analysis of Freedom Feminist thought has explored the complexities of our freedom in depth. With the primary focus being on the manner in which internal constraints limit the possibility of genuine freedom. Philosopher Jean Grimshaw analyzes the way in which repressive social forces can erode an individual’s psychological autonomy, which is their ability to think independently. Grimshaw believes many of these oppressive forces originated from men in a male-dominated society. Grimshaw explored the psychological coercion that does and can occur in which she feels an internal constraint that comprises individual autonomy and limits personal freedom. Grimshaw’s article, “ Autonomy an Identity in Feminist Thinking ”, presents a compelling analysis of the ways in which most cultures have dominated women and denied them independent thought and action. These same cultures have also subjected women to brutalizing forces that have had the cumulative effect of alienating them from their authentic female selves. Free choice is perhaps one of our only options to eliminating both negative external and internal constraints. The ability for women to be free to make their choices is contingent on becoming aware of the fact and nature of repressive forces. Then women must make consistent and determined decisions to liberate themselves from their negative cultures. Grimshaw argues that oppressive social forces can erode an individual’s psychological autonomy, thus creating false desires and pseudo-selves. Grimshaw surveys the psychological coercion that has forced women to think of themselves as subordinate to men. Making Connections: Creating a Synthesis Some influential thinkers, such as D’Holbach, believe that personal freedom is an illusion. All of our actions are a result of already determined external factors that we cannot control. Behavioral psychologists Watson and Skinner believe we are entirely the products of conditioning experiences that have molded us and determined our actions. Many believe that we are who we are is the result of the interaction of these various factors. The genetic blueprint with which you begin life (your race, gender,

Page 42 of 125

©2017

www.achievetestprep.com