Philosophy

Philosophy Study Guide

makes us truly free. 5.9 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. 5.10 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, basic temperament, physical qualities, etc.) dynamically interacts with environmental factors to gradually shape your development in complex ways. The above-listed psychologists are both determinists because they believe that every choice you make is the necessary consequence of antecedent factors in your experience. There is no freedom of choice in these deterministic systems, and any feelings of freedom that we experience are mere illusions without substance and reality. Other thinkers such as James and Sartre believe that personal freedom is real and that we are capable of making free choices independent of any influencing factors beyond our control. These thinkers are indeterminists and think that until clear evidence to the contrary is presented, we are entitled to put our trust in our belief in freedom (and responsibility). Our core beliefs in morality are founded on the conviction that people make free choices and that they are responsible for the free choices that they make.

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