Think Upon the Ethics of Freedom and Responsibility

Existentialism is a philosophy that studies individual freedom and the idea that each person is responsible for their own choices and actions. It suggests that life has no set purpose and that people create their own meaning and value through their actions. One of the key areas of study within existentialism is the study of freedom and responsibility.

Below is a journal exercise or a discussion set; whatever you like. Explore your first impression responses, look for philosophers that match your direction and also ones that oppose your direction.

There are no objectively “right” answers to these questions.

Thought Prompts: Consider the below questions while contemplating the existentialist theory of freedom and responsibility.

1. To what extent should individual freedom be limited to ensure the collective well-being of society?
2. Can true freedom exist without a sense of responsibility? In other words, is responsibility an integral part of freedom?
3. How do cultural and societal values influence the perception of what is considered responsible behavior?
4. Is there a moral responsibility to use one’s freedom to help others in need, and if so, to what degree?
5. When does personal freedom cross the line into ethical egoism, and how does that affect one’s responsibility to others?
6. What is the role of consent in balancing personal freedom and responsibility, particularly in situations involving risk or harm?
7. Should technological advancements and AI be subject to ethical responsibilities, given their impact on human freedom and decision-making?
8. What ethical responsibilities do governments and institutions have in upholding and protecting the freedom of their citizens?
9. How do we navigate the tension between personal freedom of expression and the responsibility to avoid harm or offense to others, such as in free speech debates?
10. In the face of global challenges what ethical responsibilities do individuals and nations have to preserve the freedom of future generations?

Seed and Grow

These questions provide a way to think through some of the questions that existentialist thinkers have focused on. Where do you find yourself landing? How could you get some different perspective on your first pass response to these questions?